Philip G. Wiederhold

Phil G. Wiederhold, age 88, long time Elkton businessman died Friday morning, April 12, at Scheurer Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack at home.
He was born June 1, 1913 in Elkton at the home of his parents the late Mose and Lucille (Laclair) Wiederhold.
In 1933, Phil bought his first truck, a 1930 Model A Ford and hauled sand to the new school being built in Ubly. He and brother Ed started Wiederhold Brothers Trucking Co. in 1937 and changed the name to Wiederhold Freight Lines in 1942 when the got their MPSC license. At one time they had 50 truck/trailer rigs on the road, hauling anything from grain and gravel to lumber and even Pepsi.
Also in March of 1942, he and Annabelle Grigg were married. She preceded him in death December 30, 1995. Phil and Annabelle raised ten children and from 1963 to 1973 would pack them all up for a trip to Florida.
In the early 70’s Phil sold his interest in the trucking business to his nephew, Larry. He purchased property at the west limits of Elkton and built a new business, Wiederhold Repair Service. In 1986, he sold the business to two of his sons and “kind of” retired. He continued working at the shop, selling used cars and running parts. His little yellow car will be missed traveling the west side of the county.
Surviving are four sons, Gordon of St. Louis, Ed (Mary), John (Becky) and Doug (Michelle) all of Elkton; five daughters, Alice (Vernon) Birchfield of Leander, TX, Donna Sherwood of Bad Axe, Connie Wiederhold, Laura (Bill) Prill and Rose (Dennis) Karastes all of Elkton. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter.
A daughter, Lilly Jackson; two grandchildren, Jim Wiederhold and Ashley Prill; his brother and sister, Edward and Lillian Wiederhold preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 16, at the Community Wesleyan Church, which he helped build and was a current member. Rev. DeWeerd Smith, pastor will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton.
Friends may call from 1 to 9 PM Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton and at the church after 10:00 AM Tuesday.
Memorial may be given to the Community Wesleyan Church.