Editor’s note: Cutler Funeral Home notified WNLP that the visitation and funeral services for Dr. Seth Philbrook, originally scheduled for April 18, 2020, have been postponed until further notice.
Dr. Seth S. Philbrook, 97, of La Porte, Ind. passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Seth was born on Aug. 8, 1922 in Piqua, Ohio to Dr. Seth C. and Martha Christine (Simon) Philbrook. He graduated from Piqua High School in 1940. Seth attended Miami of Ohio University for undergraduate and Ohio State University for medical school. He met the love of his life, Rose Hart, when he was a senior medical student and she was a senior nursing student. They married Aug. 19, 1949 in Canal Winchester, Ohio.
Seth proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a medic and medical laboratory technician.
After their marriage, Seth and Rose moved to Chicago, Ill. where Seth completed his internship at Northwestern University and Passavant Memorial Hospitals. He served as head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Hines Veterans Hospital.
In 1953, they moved to La Porte, where Seth began serving La Porte County through his ophthalmology practice. He studied throughout his entire practicing years, attending the University of Illinois and University of Chicago classes to hone his skills in the latest developments in medical science, offering the most advanced care for his patients. Seth served in his practice until his retirement in 1992.
In 1977, Seth and Rose were part of a partnership formed to purchase and remodel the former La Porte Sash and Door building at 1300 State St., La Porte. Seth was proud that medical professionals could be close to the La Porte Community Hospital that he and Rose, alongside the entire community, worked tirelessly to build.
Professional participation included Phi-Chi Medical Fraternity, La Porte Hospital Visionary Committee to build a community hospital, La Porte Hospital Board member, Life member of the La Porte Hospital Foundation, La Porte County Medical Association, Fairview Youth Treatment Center Board member, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, Board Certification in Ophthalmology, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association.
Seth was very community-oriented. He loved attending La Porte First United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and taught Sunday School. He was active in Kiwanis Club (since 1954), La Porte Area Lake Association, and the Jaycees. Seth served on numerous community boards including La Porte Community School Board for 16 years; La Porte City Parks Board; Salvation Army Board; and the La Porte County Library Board. He also participated in YMCA Indian Guides, was an Honorary Lions Club Member (Eye Bank), and was Committee Chairman for Better Schools Committee for six years.
Seth had an insatiable appetite for learning. He enjoyed museums, especially the La Porte County Historical Society Museum, affectionately known to Seth as the “Kesling La Porte County Museum,” technology, and history. He had great respect for the past but looked forward to the future.
As a young man, Seth began journaling. He began with pen and paper but transitioned to computer upon his retirement. He enjoyed exploring the world through a new avenue. His journal was up to date until the day he passed, thanks to John.
Seth and Rose loved traveling, boating on Lake Michigan, and wintering in Jupiter, Fla., but most of all, spending time at the family cottage on Pine Lake.
Surviving are his beloved children, Pamela (Robert) Shultz, of Elkhart, Ind., Janice (Eric) Yandt, of La Porte, David (Helen) Philbrook, of Raleigh, N.C., and John (Melissa) Philbrook, of Crown Point, Ind.; 10 grandchildren: Andrew Yandt, of La Porte, Kathryn (Matthew) Dermody, of Fort Collins, Col., Christopher Shultz of Elkhart, Megan (Jesse) Lester, of Goshen, Ind., Jessica Philbrook, of San Francisco, Cal., Jennifer Philbrook, of Charlotte, N.C., Parker Philbrook of Crown Point, and Lara Rose, Lily Ana, and Michael Philbrook, all of Raleigh, N.C.; four great-grandchildren, Luke and Jack Dermody and Morgan and Reagan Lester; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents; wife; and brother, Dr. Phillip Philbrook.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Ind. 46350 or to the La Porte Area Lake Association, P.O. Box 324, La Porte, Ind. 46352.
The Philbrook family would like to thank the loving caregivers who provided outstanding care for their family.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.