Philip R. Brehm, 90, resident of Allouez, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born February 21, 1932, in Waukesha, to the late Raymond and Julia (Schneider) Brehm.
Phil was a 1950 graduate of Wilmot Union Free High School in Wilmot, Wisconsin. He continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, graduating cum laude in 1954. Following his college graduation, Phil enlisted in the US Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict as a Senior Flight Navigator. In 1957 he entered reserve status serving as a Judge Advocate, retiring from the reserves as a Major in 1974. In 1958, Phil went back to school in Milwaukee at Marquette Law School, graduating in 1961. Phil married Judith Clark on June 22, 1963, in Minneapolis.
Upon graduation from law school, he began employment as an attorney at the Everson Law Firm, achieving partnership status in 1971. Phil remained at the firm, Everson, Whitney, Everson and Brehm, S.C., retiring in 2017 after practicing law for 56 years. Phil was a leader in local and state bar associations, serving two terms on the board of governors. He was also active in numerous local and state affiliations. Phil believed in giving back to his community, and served on the NWTC Educational Foundation, St. Norbert College President’s Advisory Council and the Greater Green Bay Area YMCA Board of Directors. He was passionate about creating educational opportunities for youth in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Phil enjoyed his time away from the office with Judy on travelling adventures to Ireland, Europe and taking cruises. He loved spending time with family and friends in Sister Bay, where many fond memories were made with Judy, and their children and grandchildren. He was so very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He loved to fish and take the family boating. He and Judy were active in the community, attending many fund raisers and local social events. Phil had a strong Catholic faith and he and Judy raised their family accordingly. They were longtime members of St. Matthew Parish in Allouez.
He is survived by his wife Judy and their five children: Susan Brehm, Ames, IA; Mary (Jamie Harris) Brehm, Milwaukee; Erin (Frank) Natanek, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Peter (Ellen) Brehm, Green Bay; and Michael “Mick” (Donald Zanoff) Brehm, Livingston, MT; nine grandchildren: Emily (Jarrod); Benjamin Philip; Max; Zoe; Julia; Sarah; Claire; Rachel and Sebastian; one great granddaughter, Alice; Brother, Robert (Kay) Brehm, Palatine, IL; sister-in-law, Carol Brehm, East Troy, WI; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Thomas (Alice) Brehm.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Thursday, January 26, from 3:00-6:00 pm. The visitation will close with a parish wake service at 6:00 pm Thursday. Visitation will continue on Friday at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthews St., from 9:00-10:15 am. Funeral Mass Friday at 10:30 am at the church with Rev. Bob Kabat officiating. Burial in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the Brehm family at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of floral expressions, a memorial fund has been established in his name.
Phil’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Unity Hospice and Home Instead for all the care and concern given to Phil and his family.