Philip George Vrieling Jr. passed away on September 3rd, 2022, at the age of ninety-two in Tracy, CA. He was born on February 19th, 1930, to Philip George Sr. and Dora Vrieling in Ripon, CA. He was the oldest son of six children. His sisters, Juanita, Shirley, and Genevieve, and brothers, Ron, and Kenneth, all grew up on the family farm on West Ripon Road.     He attended school in Ripon where he loved playing football.  He served in the Unites States Navy from 1950-1954. He was a boilermaker on the U.S.S. Pine Island.  Philip was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1958, he married Sharon Kay Sikkema. In their 24-year marriage, they had three daughters, Diana, Kimberly, and Michele. Years later, he met his soul mate, Debbie Dittman, on the dance floor! Philip and Debbie were joined in marriage on July 7th, 1990. He and Debbie enjoyed square dancing and West Coast swing. They spent many happy years traveling the world together.  Philip was a kind and loving father who always worked hard to support his family. While the girls were

growing up, he took the family camping. Their favorite was Anchor Bay Campground. This tradition continues with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many happy times were spent on the Anchor Bay beach. He loved watching his beloved 49ers and the San Francisco Giants.

   Philip is survived by his loving wife Debbie, of Tracy, CA, his three daughters, Diana (Jon) Hildebrand, of

Woodbridge, CA, Kim (Tim) Sheffield, of Lodi, CA, and Michele Riggs, of Woodbridge, CA, his sister, Shirley Schemper, of Ripon, CA, and his brother, Kenneth (Paulette) Vrieling, of Ripon, CA.

He is also survived by his step-children Nancy (Philip) Howard of Sacramento, CA , John (Donna) Cardoza of Turlock, CA, Greg Cardoza of Fortuna, CA, and Janice (Rick) Boswell of Manteca, CA

   He is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him Pop-Pop or Grandpa.  Philip is preceded in death by his parents, Philip Sr. and Dora Vrieling, brother, Ron Vrieling, sisters, Juanita Polestra and Genevieve Bouwman, and stepson, Harry Cardoza.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Gone but not forgotten Veterans Project/MTSP at:

www.cplpalmersupport.com / earmarked for GBNFVP

   A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., Tracy. Graveside services will follow at the Tracy Public Cemetery with Military Honors.  For condolences to the family please visit www.frymemorialchapel.

com. 

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, September 16, 2022