Philip Van Houten

On October 29, 2026, Philip John Van Houten, 76, made it to his 4:45 p.m. tee time in heaven. He passed away surrounded by his family.

Phil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cheryl; his son, Mark (Sarah); his daughter, Laura (Johnny); his grandchildren, Ella and Liam; and his brothers, Larry (Katrina), David (Steve) and Daniel (Annalisa). He is also survived by many loved ones -- both extended family and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Judy, and Cheryl's parents, Jack and Berneda.

Phil was a 1971 graduate of Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. After graduation, he started with the Pontiac Police Department where he worked until 1982. Phil and his family then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he helped establish the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Cincinnati Insurance Companies. He retired in 2014 as the Vice President of SIU, after managing the unit for 32 years.

Phil's family meant the world to him - whether it was spending time with his grandkids - who affectionately called him "Bunny," traveling with Cheryl, hitting the golf course with Mark or eating cheap chocolate with Laura. Family -- and those friends who he considered family -- was something he valued deeply, and those relationships were such an important part of his life. It was time spent together, sharing stories, enjoying a laugh, or simply being in each other's company -- those were the moments that mattered to Phil. He loved with a quiet, steady kind of love that was simply part of who he was.

Phil was an avid golfer and you would often find him watching his favorite sports teams - Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.

Phil was a man of strong faith, and enjoyed many years as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Milford, Ohio. Just like his strength, his faith was quiet but unwavering. He didn't need to make a big production of what he believed - he simply lived it. His faith was part of who he was, and it helped carry him through his life.

Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, at a later date. We will live stream the service for out-of-town loved ones. The family will share more details soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged in Phil's name to Trinity United Methodist Church, www.trinitymilford.org; the National The Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org; or the charity of your choice.