DEL NORTE— Del Norte resident Philip John Beiriger, 83, passed away on July 18, 2018.
He was born on Jan. 8, 1935 in Del Norte to Norbert and Helen Beiriger. He married his only true love, Priscilla Farnham, on June 4, 1955 in Center, and they shared 40 beautiful years together.
In 1959 they moved to Arizona with two children in tow, and there they added three more to the family. Philip worked 38 years supporting his family as a lineman and troubleshooter in Phoenix, a job which he loved and enjoyed. He returned to Canon City, Colo. in 2001 before finally coming back home to the Valley in 2013. He was a devout Catholic and, in his later years, his faith is what carried him through. He enjoyed being with his family, playing computer games, watching movies, cheering on the Broncos, and was an avid coin collector.
Philip is survived by his children, Dale Beiriger of Center; Karen (Jim) Shock of Colorado Springs, Barbara (Bob) Stoetzel of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Lisa (Jay) Romans of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Stacie (Monte) Mullins of Alamosa; 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren as well as his siblings, Sister Connie Beiriger of Wichita, Kan.; Mike Beiriger of Highlands Ranch, Colo. and Lois Arnold of Anaheim, Calif., as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson and his wife Priscilla Beiriger.
Philip was born in what used to be the Del Norte Hospital, was baptized in the Del Norte Church, and there had catechism and his first communion. He asked to have his services at the Catholic church in Del Norte because, in his own words, “I would like to say “hello” to my maker from the same place I said “hello” to him when I started this journey of life.”
A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 with viewing beginning at 6 p.m. at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday July 27 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow services and an inurnment will follow at a later time in Arizona where he will be reunited with Priscilla.
Contributions are suggested to be made to the Catholic charities and may be made in Philip’s honor in care of the funeral home office.
Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements. To leave online remarks, tributes and condolences for Philip’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.