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PHILIP EUGENE RUHMSHOTTEL
March 13, 1941 ˜ March 18, 2020
Phil Ruhmshottel, 79, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on March 18th, 2020. He was born March 13th, 1941, to Herb and Lillian Ruhmshottel in Cornwall, NY, the middle of three children.
Phil joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959 and served 5 years. He moved to the West Coast in 1969 to be with his 2 children from a previous marriage, Diane and Alan.
In 1983, Phil met Caroline Smith Netzel whom he would marry in 1985 and remain so until his passing.
He was a truck driver for Coke for 25 years and in his spare time, he loved to read, work with wood and in the garden, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family.
In retirement, Phil advocated for veterans in leadership roles with the Marine Corps League, the National Order of the Devil Dogs, 40 et 8 and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire’s Council for Veteran Affairs while also volunteering at the Vancouver VA facility.
Well known in the veteran community, Phil was a gentle, gracious man who possessed the ability to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable.
Phil is survived by his wife, Caroline; his sister, Valerie Hoppenstedt in New York state; his daughter, Nicole Rounce; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Carl; and his two children, Alan and Diane.
A graveside service and Celebration of Life will be scheduled and held at later dates.
Phil’s volunteer work at the Vancouver VA was his passion, ministry, and fellowship. A Phil Ruhmshottel Memorial Fund has been set up to help any veteran with a personal need to be handled by the VA Voluntary Services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in remembrance of Phil to: VAPORHCS, ATTN: V2VOL, 1601 East Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 (checks need to have the notation: ”in memory of Phil Ruhmshottel” and GPF 9313 unearmarked). Contributors will receive a thank you letter and receipt from the VA.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Phil.My friend, my brother (brother-in-law), fellow Marine. We have know each other since 1962, serving together in the Brig section for 2 years at Sangley Point, Philippines. I have treasured our friendship and love for each other as one Marine for another. I am thankful that you are no longer in pain both mentally and physically. You are now with our Lord and your family that have preceded you. Will never forget you my friend.God Bless
john & Billie allison
April 4, 2020
Marilyn and I will miss Phil greetings and his conversations.
Patrick Estenes
March 27, 2020
Caroline,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I only met Phil a few times, but he seemed like a great guy.
Keith Evers
March 27, 2020
Dear Caroline & Nicole,
Kent & I were sad to read the news about Phil. Even though it has been about ten years since we saw him last, we always thought he was a very kind man.
Please know Caroline & Nicole you are in our prayers.
Kent & Becky Bjorklund
March 25, 2020
Ive never had the honor to meet Paul but we are brothers having served in the Corps. Say hello to Chesty for me brother.
Bear/USMC 65-69
Fraters Infinitas
Bear Leber
March 25, 2020
Hello Carol
I always enjoyed working with you and Phil on Tuesdays at the VA (I'm Bill Cavanagh and used to drive on the PM and Mid-Shifts). You and Phil were always so helpful to me and so many of the vets. Thanks for your years of volunteering.
Coincidently, I was also born in 1941 in NY but in NYC.
I'm sure Phil is in a happy place!
Bill Cavanagh
March 24, 2020
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