Philip Buettgen Obituary

Philip W. Buettgen SANTEE, SC - Philip W Buettgen age 89, passed away the morning of December 14th surrounded by family at the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC. Survived by eldest son, Mark Buettgen and daughters, Wendi Szymanski, Diana Hoopman, Laurie Halvorson, Lisa Hoffer, Lizbeth Kilkenny, Susan Buettgen and Mari Peters, 14 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. As a commissioned officer of the US Army, Philip was deployed in 1951 to Korea serving with the 224 infantry regiment of the 40th division, awarded a Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Metal with two Bronze Campaign Stars, National Defense Service Metal and United Nations Metal. Returning home to the states, Philip married Patricia Banbury. Blessed with 1 son and 5 daughters. He began a career in the energy field of electrical generation, mining and steel industry. Which evolved into environmental research specializing in air pollution. Philip married Connie Sherman in 1974 bringing into the fold two additional daughters. Together they pursued a life of adventure, art through Renaissance Festivals while Philip specialized in Foundry works. They then moved to Mt. Pleasant SC 1990, establishing Sweet Magnolia's designer showcase, where they were very active in the community. Philip played the part of Santa and Connie as Ms. Clause on several occasions during community celebrations. After the passing of Connie, Philip remarried in 2012 Dr. Valerie M. Lawrence PHD experiencing a loving partnership in writing. Being married a short 5 months, Valerie was taken by an accidental fall at home. Philip was very in tuned to his faith and active in St. Anne's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus. Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 27th - 11am at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2205 State Park Rd. Santee, SC. 29142 with fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "The St. Clare's Maternity Home for Women, 2764 Pleasant Road, #10630, Ft. Mill, S. C., 29708-7229. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston