Philip R. Askman

Philip Rosberg Askman, 86, died December 26, 2008 in his Reading residence.

He was the husband of Anna May (Kroner) Askman, whom he married May 1, 1943.

Born February 7, 1922 in Beverly, MA, he was a son of the late Mauritz A. and Maria Theresa (Rosberg) Askman.

Philip was a graduate of Beverly High School, class of 1939. He also was a graduate of Lafayette College, Easton, PA where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 1944.

Immediately following graduation, Phil deployed to Okinawa where he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy SeaBees until the end of World War II.

Following the war, he began his professional career with Riegel Paper in Milford, NJ. Several years later, he moved his family to Massachusetts to work for Chas. T. Main Company, Boston, MA; a consulting engineering firm. He held a lifetime of various management positions, including Vice President and General Manager of the Pulp and Paper Division.

After retirement, Phil moved to Berks County, PA, where he was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Fleetwood. he served his church in a variety of roles.

He was a member of the Phoebe Berks Board of Trustees from 1992-2002 and the Fleetwood Rotary Club.

In addition to his wife Anna, he is survived by three children, Jan P., husband of Shelby J. (Enterline) Askman of Laughlin, NV; James R., husband of Tere (Polanco) Askman of Acton, ME; and Joel N. Askman of Reading.

In addition there is a sister Ethel (Askman) Whitman of Martha's Vineyard, MA.

There are two grandchildren also surviving, Suzanne Ferguson of Denver, CO and Noah Askman of Cambridge, MA and a great granddaughter, Savannah Ferguson.

Philip was predeceased by a brother Nils and two sisters, Greta and infant Brita.

Services will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, with Rev. Patrick W. Morris officiating. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services in the funeral home. Burial will be private in Durham Cemetery, Durham Twp., Bucks County.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 W. Arch Street, Fleetwood, PA 19522. For online condolences, please visit www.christfuneralhome.com.