Phillip Henry Dunnebacke
Age 96, born July 15, 1929, passed away on February 10, 2026.
Phil was a lifelong resident of Lansing and parishioner of St. Casimir and St. Mary Cathedral parishes. Following his term of service as PFC in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1950 through 1952, during which he was stationed near Wurzburg, Germany, he worked in finance for the State of Michigan for 38 years until his retirement in 1984.
Phil enjoyed technology, from tinkering with tubes in his 1948 TV, to using a CB radio, to casting travel programs from his computer or emailing. He enjoyed classical music, card games, puzzles, the daily newspaper, Jeopardy, and getting together with family. As a result of early business travel, he knew every county and county seat of Michigan.
Business trips to the Upper Peninsula led to his meeting and marrying Frances Sicotte of Hancock, in 1960. She survives. Also surviving are children Carole Bolthouse and Joseph Dunnebacke, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren with two more on the way, and many nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna (Brieger) Dunnebacke, brothers Leo (Rosemary) and Frederick (Beryl) Dunnebacke, and sisters Mildred (William) Shaver, Mary Louise, and Ruth (George) Schraw.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral 219 Seymour, Ave., Lansing, MI 48933, interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI. Visitation will precede the Funeral Mass for one hour at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral in memory of Phil. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Friends and family may visit the guest book at www.EstesLeadley.com.
7 Messages to “Phillip Henry Dunnebacke”
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Donna Queen
February 12, 2026 at 3:45 pmPhil was such a nice person, always helpful and cheerful. He will be missed I know. I send my sympathy to Fran, Carole, Sid and all the family. May Phil rest in the arms of our Lord. God bless you all. Love and Prayers, Donna Queen.
Sandra Williams
February 12, 2026 at 9:50 pmCarole and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonder long life lived. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Spitz
February 12, 2026 at 8:48 pmI always looked forward to visiting with Phil & Fran at church.He was a very special man & will definitely be missed.Rest in peace my friend.
Carole Bolthouse
February 12, 2026 at 9:35 pmHe was one heck of a father!! He taught me so much, the lessons will keep right on ‘teaching.’
John Zielke and family (Joanne, Natalie, Andrea)
February 13, 2026 at 9:44 pmSo many memories of fun visits with Uncle Phil and Aunt Fran, cousins Carole and Sid. Can still see and sense the hot summer cook outs, and Thanksgiving and Easter meals that we shared on Victor Street or in Battle Creek where I grew up. Phil had such a great sense of humor too. I can still hear all of us laughing and I always looked forward to seeing him. A lot of gratitude to have had Phil as an uncle.
Chris Schraw
February 14, 2026 at 3:23 pmI always got a kick out of my Uncle Phil’s dry sense of humor and his quick wit.
Sherri Stone Wiegman
February 14, 2026 at 5:06 pmMy condolences to Fran, Carole and Joe. We lived two houses down from them on Victor Avenue. It was a pleasure knowing all the Dunnebackes.
Phil was always so friendly and had a smile on his face whenever you saw him.
Again, my sincere condolences.