Celebration of Life Gathering: Saturday, July 17, 2021, 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., program to start at 5:00 P.M., all at Glenwood Lake Park, 2 Lake Drive, Glenwood, Iowa.
Peter “Pete” Matthew Phillips was born July 11, 1968 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Pete was brought home to McGregor, Iowa with his parents Dennis Phillips and Kathleen Sullivan; two siblings Susan and Michael. Pete then moved to Lake Wapello State Park where Pete loved to sneak out of the house and run as fast as he could down the hill towards the street which his mother loved very much. A short time after the Phillips family found themselves at Douds, Iowa. There Pete spent his elementary years with lots of animals like his beloved dog Jingles. Around 3rd grade Pete and his family moved to Spencer, Iowa for a short time. They then moved to Royal, Iowa where Pete would spend the rest of his elementary, junior high and high school years. He made lots of lifelong friends, running the football field along with basketball, track and baseball at Clay Central before heading off to Omaha, Nebraska to attend college at Creighton for a BA in history studies.
During his managerial career, Pete started with a small company MTS in Omaha, Nebraska where he was the plant manager. Then he moved to Newton, Iowa to begin work with Maytag as a supervisor. After about four years Pete moved to Jacobsen’s to become a manager in Mount Pleasant and then Des Moines, Iowa. Pete’s next challenge as a manager found him moving to Glenwood, Iowa where he started work for Bemis in Omaha, Nebraska for several years before taking on his last managerial job at Parker Hannifin in Red Oak, Iowa. Everyone who worked for Pete always said how friendly and fair he was as a manager. He helped many of them advance in their career and enjoyed watching them tackle each challenge they came across.
Pete was a fervent lover of sports but none more than the Iowa Hawkeyes. GO HAWKS! Pete loved helping his kids and anyone he could with sports by coaching lots of his son’s teams. Pete could often be found in the kitchen or the tailgate whenever there was a party or gathering. He loved to see the smile his food brought to people’s faces. All through Pete’s life, he loved his animals. Many times, after a long day’s work Pete could be found on his porch watching the birds.
Pete is survived by his children; Nathaniel Phillips and Walter Phillips of Glenwood, Iowa, his father Dennis Phillips (Dianne) Phillips of Spencer, Iowa, his mother Kathleen Sullivan of Grand Marais, Minnesota, sisters; Susan Phillips of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Mariann (Ralph) Hein of Iowa City, Iowa, brothers; Michael (Michelle) Phillips of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Matt (Tina) Casey of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His dog Vincent and beloved cat Lance. Many remarkably close lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents and Uncles.
Private Interment at a later date, Baker Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Midlands Humane Society, 1020 Railroad Avenue, Suite A, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503. https://midlandshumanesociety.org
9 Condolences
I was the plant manager at Parker hannifin when when Pete came on board as a production manager . Pete was a great man and manager . He had that rare quality of “great people skills “ with a common sense approach . He was well liked and respected by everyone he touched . When I retired I told Pete the bitter sweet part of retirement was that I would not get to work with Pete any longer . Years since we worked out at the ymca in red oak together and continued our friendship . I consider Pete a dear friend . And I am a better person for having known Pete . I reached out to Pete several times over the last year to encourage him and tell him to never forget he was a good man . I wish I could have done more . Pete was a great man and a dear friend and will be missed . . God bless Pete and all the family .. Pete “Love you brother “ .
Continued from above. I will be out of town this weekend attending my grandsons 13U state baseball tournament in Cedar Rapids and won’t be able to attend the celebration of life . Pete would want me to go . Again thoughts and prayers are with the family . Pete I will see u again someday ,,,I miss you buddy ,,,
It’s been days since we lost you and my heart still hurts. You were a large part of my life, and the lives of my family. You are my bother and I will miss you greatly, as will Vince (dog) and Lance Pants (cat).
I am so sorry for your lose, been thinking about you all. Thoughts and prayers from the Stewart’s.
Holding you close in heart dear Susan. Having lost a brother a few years back I know how sharp the grief is. This is such a nice tribute to him. His love and fairness to others is very clear, and that he loved animals so and are included among the grieving is just beautiful. Best to all your family.
So sorry to learn of Pete’s passing. We shared a July birthday. I will never forget the little blonde boy in my classroom.
Prayers for all the family.
Sorry for your loss. Pete and I shared a July birthday. I always enjoyed the little blonde boy in my classroom. Prayers for all of you.🙏
May you rest in perfect Peace Pete.. We miss u.!
Pete you will be missed so much.You were a great friend and father love u brother Bill
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