PHILIP WEIGEL, 76 FREEPORT - Philip Weigel, 76, passed away at Rockford Memorial Hospital, Saturday, April 12, 2014 following a severe stroke. He was the son of Margaret Pfeiffer and Charles Weigel. Those who knew Phil were fortunate. A lifelong Freeporter, Phil was a man gifted with a thoughtfulness rarely seen, always thinking of his family and friends and offering his quiet assistance without needing to be asked. Phil was a Freeport Firefighter for over 34 years and worked for his friend, Frank Lassandro, on his days off. During retirement he was a bus driver for the Freeport School District and later drove the Liberty Village van. He joined his men friends for coffee at McDonalds almost every weekday and swam at the Lifestyles Fitness Center in the afternoons. Phil and his wife Tait met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends, Shirlee and Roland Munda, 39 yrs. ago on March 15th. They celebrated that date from then on. He and Tait enjoyed collecting antiques, taking day trips, and entertaining family and friends. Phil was not a joiner, but did love belonging to the Highland Area Garden Club, where they made many dear friends. He enjoyed the water and sun in Florida where he and Tait spent time visiting friends in past years. Phil is survived by his wife, Tait; his children, Charles Weigel of Nashville, Tamara Weigel (Bren Stevens) of Charleston WV, William Calkins, and Amy (Britton) Gibson, both of Freeport; and four grandsons, Benjamin and Nicholas Krepshaw, Aaron Calkins, and Maxwell Gibson. He also leaves behind a loving family of siblings; Jim Weigel of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Rosemary (Jack) Harnish of Freeport, Roger (Patty) Weigel of Lakeland, Florida, Tom (Nancy) Weigel of New Lennox, Illinois, Pat Weigel of Freeport; sister in-law, Phyllis Weigel of Freeport, and Suzie (Rick) Witt, also of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Larry Weigel. Memorials to Freeport Area Church Cooperative and the Stephenson Country Historical Society. " A Gathering of Family, Friends, and Firemen"; will be held at 11:30 a.m. May 31st at the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Details will be announced at a later date. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/journalstandard/obituary.aspx?n=philip-weigel&pid=170651078#sthash.js7zwQIL.dpuf