Philip Michael Sponseller

Philip Michael Sponseller, also known as “Uncle Phil” and “Eup”, 67 of Saint Joseph, Michigan and Huron, Ohio fell asleep and woke up in heaven on Thursday June 5, 2025. 

Philip was born July 8, 1957 in Tiffin, Ohio to DeMont E. and Carol (Martin) Sponseller who reside in Huron, OH. He is also survived by sisters Julia A. (Douglas) Schiefer of Sandusky and Lisa C. (Timothy) Parkison of Huron, OH; nieces Heather (Erik) Hudak and sons Evan and Owen of St. Joseph, MI, Lesley (Joel) Hern and son Ethan and daughter Jane of Terrace Park OH; nephew, best buddy and co-worker Robert Schiefer of St. Joseph, MI; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Raymond and Audrey Sponseller and maternal grandparents George and Carol Martin. 

Philip attended Bella Vista High School in California and graduated from Colonel Crawford High School in 1975. He returned to California following graduation and attended UC Davis and joined the United States Air Force. Philip lived in California from 1975 until 2020 when he returned to Huron to love on and support his family.

Philip was a natural athlete and excelled at baseball, basketball, skiing and golf, which he made his career. He played American Legion Baseball in High School and was a Class A PGA Golf Pro. He worked most recently as a caddy at Lost Dunes Golf Club in Bridgman, Michigan and was formerly at the La Contenta Golf Club in Valley Springs, California. Philip was born to teach and it brought him great joy to provide golf lessons to youth and adults, as well as train new caddies.

Philip was adored by his family and friends and was a mentor, hero and idol to so many. A “Pied Piper” who never met a stranger, Philip made everyone feel like they were the only person in the room. Once you met him you would never forget him and he wouldn’t forget you. His gregarious gratitude and exuberance made him the life of the party and he reveled in celebrating other’s accomplishments. No one cheered louder than Philip and he was always the first one to stand and salute Military honors.

Philip loved life and all that goes with it enjoying road trips, reading, watching sports, cooking and great meals at Marconi’s. He was good at everything he tried which included playing the tenor saxophone and because he never forgot names, dates, and places, he could not be beat at trivia. His “Phil-isms” were a favorite with those who knew him and included “Here’s the Deal”, “That's what I’m talking about”, and “to make a long story short” but it never was. Philip was a proud member of the Elks and a USAF Veteran, but the most important thing to him was his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

The family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Thursday June 12 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Services will begin at 1:00 pm followed by burial in Brokensword Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Lost Dunes Golf Club, 9300 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106 (with Phil Memorial in Memo) or the Wreaths Across America @www.wreathesacrossamerica.org/OH0077. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com