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COL Philip Fetler, U. S. Air Force, went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2013. He was born on January 15, 1923 near Berlin, Germany, and the seventh of a missionary's 13 children. He was raised in Riga, Latvia; Amsterdam, Holland; Stockholm, Sweden and Switzerland. His family immigrated to America in 1939, where he attended Northwestern University. During WWII he was inducted into military service. In the next 31 years as pilot, he rose from Private to Colonel in the U. S. Air Force, serving as Staff Officer and Commander in the Strategic Air Command, with NATO in Europe and American Forces in Japan. Among his decorations are the Legion of Merit, and from the Emperor of Japan the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
He is survived by his wife Rosemarie, a son Gregory Fetler & wife Jean of Watsonville, CA, 3 grandchildren, Tabetha, Tiffany and Joshua; 4 great grandchildren; 10 brothers & sisters from Massachusetts to New York, Virginia, Florida, Texas Minnesota, Colorado and California.
His main interest was music and art, and he was a rated chess enthusiast, playing in local and national tournaments. He was also a member of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be 5-7p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home. The Graveside Service will be 10:45 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2013 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gentiva Hospice Foundation (www.gentivahospicefoundation.org) and/or the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 30, 2014
Yes Philip was a very nice Person. I had visited him a few times in San Antonio. He was a very nice host. Ingrid
March 25, 2014
Tiffany Fetler
We miss our Pop-pop and think of him every day. Our wonderful memories fill our hearts with love and joy.
March 21, 2013
Gunnar & Marie Mattsson
Dear Fetler Family, It was our true pleasure to meet Philip and to get to know him during our neighborhood walks. I am Northwestern grad while my husband is Swedish so we shared much with Philip. He was a delightful person to speak with, so enthusiastic, intelligent,well-informed and always curious to learn more. We grieve his loss to our neighborhood and will miss him on his morning walks. Please know, though, that he added a great deal to our lives here in Fox Run.
March 19, 2013
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, R.Ph.
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
March 6, 2013
Andrew Fetler
With sorrow and happy memories.
March 5, 2013
Farewell, beloved brother, beloved friend...
Jim & Melinda Fetler
March 5, 2013
Strong, charming, kind, and generous - you have left us with a wonderful gift, your beautiful family. Love, Kim and Tom Trujillo
March 3, 2013
As your wings vanish in the air, I am glad you had your flight.
Peter Malof (Falls Church, VA)
March 3, 2013
Tiffany Allyn Fetler
My dearest Pop-pop will be missed. Thankful for all the wonderful memories I hold in my heart. Your generosity will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever - Tiffetally
March 3, 2013
Joseph Malof
With sorrow at your passing and joy at your life. Continuing love,
your brother Joe
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Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218
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