Philip Musgrove

Philip Musgrove, 70, of Kingsford and formerly of Wauconda, Ill., passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born May 26, 1941, in Lakeland, Fla., the son of John and Norma (Jenkins) Musgrove. Phil married Patricia Belleno on June 8, 1963, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1995. Phil worked in the automotive industry most of his life. As a young man, he was fascinated with fast cars and Ford engines. He became a master engine mechanic and was known throughout the Ford racing industry as an "engine building genius." His skills were sought after by many of the racing teams and car owners. Phil's custom built engines won many races. He was employed by Victor Ford in Wauconda before going to work for the city of Highland Park, Ill., retiring in 1999. A man of many hobbies, Phil's expertise as a fisherman was known to his family and friends. He spent many hours fishing for that "trophy" pike or walleye throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. He would share his skills with anyone who would ask and was known to weave some wonderful "fishing" stories to all who would listen. It was on one of his many fishing trips up north that he met and married his wife, Debra (Minella) Musgrove. They were married on Oct. 17, 2002. Phil was also a very talented woodworker and his skills were known to many. Philip is survived by his wife, Debra; his mother, Norma Musgrove of Florida; sons, Robert and Matthew; stepchildren, Carolee Clark and Scott (Tanya) Popp; seven grandchildren, Joelynn Musgrove, McKinsie and McKayla Musgrove, Jaimie Oien, Justin Rock, and Averie and Ian Popp; one great-grandson, Carter Billadeau; brothers, John (Gale) Musgrove and Michael (Sonya) Musgrove; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Marlene Minella of Kingsford; brothers-in-law, Jon (Christine) Minella and Thomas (Vicki) Belleno; sisters-in-law, Diane Hulbert and Donna (Frank) Rahoi; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Musgrove in 1996. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. A memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate. A reception celebrating Phil's life will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 2 p.m. at his home, 305 Riverhills Road in Kingsford. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Philip Musgrove online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Homes of Iron Mountain with the arrangements

Philip Musgrove

June 24, 1941 - June 24, 2011