Memorial services for Brian F. “Bubba” Philipp are 2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, Ill., with Pastor Holly Wood, officiating. George Renner & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, at the church.

Mr. Philipp, passed away Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born August 23, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Richard and Iva Jeanne, nee Tyler, Philipp. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy after graduating from Brookhaven High School in Brookhaven. Brian was a member of 12th Company and he earned a B.S. in General Engineering.

Upon commissioning, Brian served as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), serving onboard frigates and cruisers. In May of 1991 Brian completed his Masters in Applied Science at Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif. His sea duty assignments culminated in his tour as executive officer (XO) of the USS Dale (CG-19) from January 1993 through June 1994. During this tour, USS Dale was the flagship for Commander Naval Forces Atlantic supporting the United Nations’ resolutions concerning Bosnia and Yugoslavia. Following this final sea tour, Brian completed the Air Command and Staff College curriculum at The Air War College, Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Ala. This was followed by assignment to Scott AFB, Belleville, Ill., where he served as Deputy J6 Operations from August 1995 until his retirement in May 1999. His military awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, a Defense Joint Service Achievement Medal, and a Navy Meritorious Service Medal.

He married Jean Ellen Friedman on August 23, 1994, and Brian and Jean made their home in Swansea, Ill. In his retirement, Brian began his second career as a stay-at-home dad to his daughter, Madeleine “Maddy,” and son, Zachary “Zach.” He juggled play dates, car pools, school activities, sports team schedules and helped with homework on many, many nights. He still found time to enjoy his hobbies of woodworking and flying RC aircraft. He became a truly accomplished woodworker with many pieces of fine furniture built by him in their home. He was a member of The Midwest Air Wing R/C Club, and built and flew several magnificent RC model aircraft planes.

He was a loving husband and father, a dedicated Naval officer, a fantastic cheerleader no matter what the sport, and a generous man who was always willing to lend a hand. He will be remembered for his quick humor, his love of Navy football, and his wonderful smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Germaine Friedman; and his brother-in-law, Donald Friedman.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Maddy and Zach; two brothers, Christopher (Kristina) Philipp, and Douglas Philipp; and a sister, Tammy (Alan) Leger; brothers-in-law, Steve (Sue) Friedman, Chuck (Kay) Friedman, Larry (Ann) DeGroodt, Doug (Denise) Friedman, Jeff (Laura) Friedman and James (June) Tipton; and many nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Bubba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Heartland Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.