Philippi-Hagenbuch remembers one of its founders

Pat Hagenbuch, a co-founder of Philippi-Hagenbuch, died last month. She was 79.

Philippi-Hagenbuch, which is located in Peoria, Illinois, has built equipment for off-highway haul trucks since 1969.

According to the company, Hagenbuch was known for the contributions she made to her family, the Peoria community, Philippi-Hagenbuch and the off-highway truck industry.

“She was a force for good and touched people in many ways,” says Danette Swank, Hagenbuch’s first-born daughter who serves Philippi-Hagenbuch as president. “The legacy she leaves behind will forever impact our family and our business. She was a role model to our family and community. She demonstrated how to be a hard worker, to show humility and how to look for the good in others. Her vision and commitment to Philippi-Hagenbuch propelled the company to grow and improve throughout the years.”

Hagenbuch was the daughter of L.B. “Phil” and Gladys Philippi. Her family moved several times until they settled in Peoria, Illinois, in 1959. Hagenbuch graduated from Peoria High School and continued her education at Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and then at Bradley University in Peoria, where she majored in marketing and business administration with a minor in retailing.

In 1968, she married LeRoy Hagenbuch. Together, they founded Philippi-Hagenbuch along with her father, who was an experienced engineer. The company brought to life L.B.’s vision for what the mining industry needed: tailgates on off-highway haul trucks.

Upon her father’s death in 1977, Pat and LeRoy took ownership of the business, with her managing accounting and operations.

Along with her passion for the family business, Philippi-Hagenbuch says Pat developed a heart for extending a helping hand and being a light in the community.

“She touched many lives with her generosity and knack for seeking out and serving those in need,” says Josh Swank, Danette’s husband and vice president of sales and marketing at Philippi-Hagenbuch. “Reflections of her countless contributions and the impact she has had will carry forward well beyond this day.”

Pat is survived by her husband LeRoy, daughter Danette (Josh), son Brandon (Laura) and two grandchildren, Owen and Emery.