Philip "Butcher" Bixby

Phil Bixby died at his home on Monday evening April 6, 2015 from complications from ongoing health issues. Phil was born in Appleton on November 30, 1942, son of the late Philip Taylor Bixby and Rosemary (Pekarske) Bixby Heideman who lives in Neenah. On August 5, 1961, he married Judith Selig at St. Therese Catholic Church; Judy survives. “The Butcher” got his start at Jacobs' Market years ago, and throughout his career worked as a meat cutter in a variety of supermarkets and grocery stores in the area. Phil will be best remembered for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping, watching sporting events, and even a little gambling from time to time. He was an award winning fisherman – he seemed to win every family fishing competition up north every single year. Watching the birds and small animals at the feeders was also a special pastime. He loved putzing around in his workroom at home, watching the sunset over Lake Winneconne, and spending time in the woods near Black Creek.

Phil is survived by his mother: Rosemary Heideman of Neenah; his loving wife: Judy Bixby of Appleton; three children: Julie (Bruce) Bixby-Wendt of Morrison; Michael (Danielle) Bixby of Appleton; and Lisa (Scooter) Wians of Appleton; twelve grandchildren: Johanna Bixby, Nicole (Nicholas) Trebesch, Eric Wendt, Megan Wendt, Matthew Wendt, Tasha Bixby, Nathan Bixby, Matthew Scott, Christine Scott, Tyler Wians-Bixby (Katherine Hurley and daughter Kyla), Kimberly Wians-Bixby, Amber Wians-Bixby; five great-grandchildren: Astarte Kunz, Ember Bixby, Liam Schulze, Dillon Bixby, and Maddie Becker. Phil is also survived by a brother: Ronald (Alanne Baerson) Bixby of New York; a sister-in-law: Joyce Drier of Appleton; a sister-in-law: Marguerite “Muggs” Selig; a brother-in-law: Jim Birchler of Junction City; two good friends and partners in crime: Tom Drier and Bob Brumm. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Philip, his step-father Roland Heideman; a son Philip “Skippy” Bixby; a sister: Elizabeth “Betty” Birchler; a brother-in-law: Lawrence “Junior” Selig; a brother-in-law: Frank Drier; and a nephew: Ricky Drier.

A funeral service for Phil will be held on Monday morning, April 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Monday morning for one hour prior to the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Memories can be shared by visiting www.wichmannfargo.com.