Philip Arthur Chute

Philip Arthur Chute was born on September 7, 1941 in Portland, Maine to Kenneth and Virginia Chute. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on November 11, 2013. He graduated from Winchester High School, Winchester, IN in 1959. He received a B.S. degree in Physics from Rose Polytechnic Institute in 1963, and completed a Ph.D. at Ohio University in 1969. He was united in marriage to Susan Thornburg in 1964; two sons were born, Lincoln and Aaron. In August of 1987 he married Judith Ann (Lovely) Winter. Phil was a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire from 1969-1999. During that tenure, he served as Department Chair for 8 years. He had a passion for teaching and was presented the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1978. He and his wife, Judith, founded the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market in 1994 and worked diligently to provide a pavilion for the farmers in Phoenix Park – opening in 2006. This accomplishment brought great joy and developed many friendships with other truck farmers in the Market – particularly members of the Hmong community. In 1990 they embarked on a “second career” as they established the Appledore Woods Berry Farm on their farm and continue to welcome customers to pick their own strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. “Noon lunches on the porch” provided time for conversation and laughter with all those who helped on the farm. Many summers were spent in the family cottage on Long Lake in Harrison, ME ; he and Judith traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and in England and Scotland. Philip is survived by his loving wife, Judith; a brother, Clifton (Rita), Bristol, IN and sister-in-law, Pamela of Kalispel, MT; sons and daughters, Lincoln (Amy), Aaron, David (Shelly) Winter, Bonnie Winter, and Becky (Steven) Odegard; grandchildren Justin, Sara, Megan, Emily, Dawson, Skylar and John; as well as many nieces and nephews. His brother, Craig and parents Kenneth and Virginia preceded him in death. Philip shared his love of life -- enjoyed engaging in conversation with friends and family, appreciated good music and books, sang favorite songs with Judith, and loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Phil held a deep regard for his land, his berry fields, and his oak woods. His favorite quote was “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration” by Thomas Edison. We will miss him……. A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at the MARTEN COMMUNITY CENTER, 120 S. Franklin Street, Mondovi, WI on Sunday, November 17, 2013 from 1:00-3:00 pm with a short program of reflection at 2:00 pm. Talbot Family Funeral Homes/Scenic Rivers Cremation Center assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com