Very few people have worked so hard, accomplished so much, and touched so many in a lifetime. Phil was well respected and loved by those who knew him. His optimistic outlook and cheerful disposition suited him best. Phil died peacefully on April 10, 2020 in his home under the loving care of his wife Jan.

Phillip Dell Nadeau was born in Muskegon Heights, MI on March 1, 1932 to Joseph A. Nadeau and Harriet Dell. He was a 1949 graduate of St Joseph High School in Muskegon.

In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan as an Intelligence Specialist. He also was Island Commander of several small islands in the Yellow Sea, monitoring North Korean activity. During his service career, he was awarded the Korean Service medal, US Service medal, National Defense Service medal, a Good Conduct medal, and was honorably discharged in 1955. After the service, he became a Michigan State Trooper. Phil left the State Police in 1960 to become an agency owner of an insurance company, a Real Estate Salesman for Clem J. Stevens, a Justice of the Peace for the Township of Hagar and as a founding member, was instrumental in helping to form the Southwest Michigan Board of Realtors organization, receiving a commendation for 50 years of service. Became a member of the National Association of Realtors and Vice President of the Multiple Listing System of Southwest Michigan. Phil was also a member of Knights of Columbus and in 1967 was elected Deputy Grand Knight of council 1120 Benton Harbor.  He was also a member of the South Haven Elks Club and Yacht Club, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

In August of 1957 Phil married Marie Carollo.  They had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls plus adopting a son.

In 1983 Phil married Jan Lynn Whitney Kemmer where Jan and her son Jerome R. Kemmer became part of the Nadeau family. Phil & Jan were married 36 wonderful years and created many happy memories.

During the course of his real estate career, he became a real estate appraiser, ultimately mentoring his son John. Phil also mentored dozens of Real Estate Agents, Insurance Agents, had several business partnerships, forming life long friendships. He notably developed numerous residential subdivisions throughout Berrien County and several inland lake developments around the Southwest Michigan area. His final commercial development project was in South Haven. In addition, Phil and his son John developed two small inland lakes located in Covert Township known as Le Lac Appelle where Phil & Jan built their retirement home.

Phil is survived by his wife Jan, children: Marie (Steve) Fedewa, Cecile (John) Johnson, Cathy Maczala, Jim (Kathie) Nadeau, Phillip (Dianna) Nadeau, John (Lissa) Nadeau, Mike Nadeau, Jerry (Dawn) Kemmer, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with one on the way. Siblings, Louise Nadeau, Lora Kushnak, Mary Fitzpatrick, and Joe Nadeau, Jr. and predeceased by his parents, his sister Yvonne Popp and son Roger Nadeau.

Phil received extraordinary care and compassion during his final journey from his Caring Circle Hospice at Home Team.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Phil's name to Caring Circle Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St Joseph, MI 49085

Those wishing to leave an online message of comfort for the family may do so by selecting the "Guestbook" option on the left.