Phillip F. Noth, Jr.

Obituary:
Phillip F. Noth Jr., 74, of Wheaton passed away peacefully with his family on November 24, 2009; beloved husband of Ellen Evans Noth; loving father of Gregory Phillip (Judy), Catherine (David) Noble and Geoffrey (Eileen); cherished grandfather of Allison, Sarah and Mark Noble, Alicia Noth and Jenna Noth. He was preceded in death by his parents Phillip F. and Myrtle B. Noth and his sister Barbara Berndt. After retirement from Amoco, he studied organ performance at Roosevelt University and was an organist for several area churches. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, DuPage PADS, and was a member of the Wheaton Lions Club. Memorial visitation will be held Friday from 10 am until time of service 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran 515 S. Wheaton Ave. Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer a donation to St. Paul Lutheran Church or DuPage PADS.

Greg and Geoff both spoke at the service. This is what Greg said:
Dear Dad,

Well, what can one say? We seem to all be saying that a lot lately as if there really isn’t more to be said. Yet here we are, talking, communicating, singing, crying, and, well, saying. Sometimes words are all we
have. So I am here trying to say something, so Dad, I will try not to foul this up. I will try to be as efficient as possible and get to the point.

We have spent a lot of time over the last few days, weeks, and sometimes months trying to process
all of this with you and in our own ways. Much of that has been about remembering thoughts, feelings, and events. Part of our remembering you is the process of going through all of our pictures and picking out the ones we think you would want everyone to see. What reflections of yourself do we want to share? No one knew you in exactly the same way. We all have memories that are shared, but also memories that we keep just to ourselves. Often, those are the ones that we cherish the most. We hope you like our choices. Right now it’s hard to look at them and not shed a tear. But I know that soon we will be able to look at a picture of you and smile about the good times.

We want to thank you for the gifts you have given us over the years. You gave us your sense of decency and manners, your love of music, and your love of God. From the singing around the piano, making us mind our manners around the table, memorizing catechism, and examining the questions together. Those are things that will be with us forever.

Most importantly, we want to thank you for loving us. Over the years, that was hard to see sometimes, as it is with many Dads. But deep down we knew it through the good times and the tougher times. We know that you love us, and we love you. In times like this we realize just how tough love is. I mean really, what a huge risk we take when we extend our love so greatly for someone. We set ourselves up for these moments. But I am sure none of us would have it any other way. If we don’t feel the pain of loss, it means we don’t love. Clearly we love you very much.

We feel very sad now, but there's one thing I know. The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me
It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.

Dad, we miss you. You will be with us in our hearts always.