Sherry (Wirt) Philipson

January 11, 1942 ~ May 17, 2008 (age 66) 66 Years Old

Sherry Philipson, 66, residing in Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 5:10 a.m. following fifty-one years of perseverance with many illnesses.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Born January 11, 1942 in South Bend to Victor & Beulah (Workman) Wirt, she has lived in this area all of her life. Despite many obstacles that came her way since the age of 15, Sherry had a strong constitution, and would not let anything get in her way. Her zest for life, and determination was evident as she touched many lives, especially at Indiana Vocation Rehabilitation Center in South Bend where she was employed for twenty-eight years.

As Sherry Wirt, she was united in marriage to Beare C. Philipson, Jr. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2000. Her three children, Lori Moreland of South Bend, Beare C. "Chuck" (Tina) Philipson, III of Mishawaka, and David Philipson of South Bend survive her. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a sister, Vici Willis of South Bend, a brother, Van "Butch" Wirt of LaPaz, and a brother-in-law, Jim Willis of South Bend.

Services for Mrs. Philipson will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Peter Rowe, pastor of Apostolic Temple, South Bend will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery at Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty, IN. The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

05/23/2026 djb

Although there is no word- or picture-proof that sister Vici or brother Van “Butch” attended Riley, they have been included here—just in case. 5/27/2026 djb

05/23/2026 djb

Van  Lee “Butch” Wirt

March 5, 1944 - Aug. 2, 2013

PLYMOUTH - Van "Butch" Lee Wirt, 69, of Plymouth, Indiana, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly at 7:49 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2013, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN.

Van was born in Mishawaka, IN, on March 5, 1944, to Victor Harvey and Beulah Belle (Workman) Wirt. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He was a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 0777. Van retired after 14 years of service with the Procter & Gamble Company where he worked in Shipping and Receiving as a forklift operator. Van was a devoted father who loved his children and worked hard. He inherited his blue-collar work ethic at a very young age, rarely missed a day of work, and always showed up half an hour early.

Van loved various sports and enjoyed spending his retired years golfing with his children and his golfing buddies. He had a zeal for discussing politics & current events, and was an avid follower of the Chicago Cubs. Van was also an enthusiastic fan of Elvis Presley, and when his children were small, he was known to entertain them with amusing impersonations of "The King."

Van is survived by his two children, a son, Daniel Shane Wirt of South Bend, IN, and a daughter, Shanda Lynn Wirt of Mishawaka, IN. Van is also survived by his sister, Vici Wirt of South Bend, IN; three grandchildren, Alexis L. Wirt of Mishawaka, IN, Jonah L. Wirt of Mishawaka, IN, and Aden M. King of South Bend, IN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherry L. Philipson, and his parents, Victor H. and Beulah B. (Workman) Wirt.

A private family memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be at Porter Rae Cemetery in North Liberty, IN, where Van will be laid to rest with his father, mother and sister. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion Post #385, 100 W. Randolph St., LaPaz, IN 46537. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Rhs 64 Wirt Vici Lynn

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Vici-Wirt

Vici Lynn Wirt

February 6, 1946 ~ May 6, 2026 80 Years Old

BREMEN--Vici Lynn Wirt went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at St. Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka, IN.

Vici was born in South Bend, IN to Victor and Beulah Wirt.  She is survived by her daughter Dawn (Anthony) Beatty, and twin sons, Timothy (Stacy) Willis, and Todd (Christian) Willis. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren: Tara Hicks (Zach Sheneman), Caitlyn Hicks, Melissa HIcks, Kayla (Jon) Curtis, Alyssa (Caleb) Willman, Andrea Willis, Brianna Willis, Landin Willis, and Lextin Willis as well as 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister, Sherry Philipson, and brother, Van “Butch” Wirt.

Just a few months ago, she lost her favorite furry companion, CC, named appropriately after her favorite sports team, the Chicago Cubs.  She would say she was their best fan! Due to her love for dogs, Vici ran a Pet Sitting business (Pet Patrol) for several years. She also worked for Parker Hannifin Corporation later in life.

Vici loved her Chicago Cubs, her dogs, and her Wednesday luncheons with her old high school friends, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Often, you would spot her at grandkid events or playing games with the family.  She loved her family gatherings! 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel at 3718 South Michigan Street in South Bend, IN. Visitation with the family will be from 2-3 pm, with a service following from 3-4 pm. She will be laid to rest at Porter Rea Cemetery on the grounds of Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be offered to Pet Refuge, Inc. in memory of Vici. Online condolences may be offered at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

5/25/2026 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Sherry-Philipson