Robert Phillips

Robert “Bob” Henry Phillips passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at home in De Pere, WI. Bob was born on May 27, 1934 to Margaret VanderLinden Phillips Bai and Harvey Phillips. He grew up in Green Bay, graduated from Green Bay West High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1952. He served as a Disbursing Clerk on active duty in the Navy from 1952-1956 and remained in the Navy Reserves for 37 years thereafter. Bob was still working as a tax accountant at the De Pere Business Center at the time of his death and he remained very involved in his community as a member of the De Pere Housing Authority, the Knights of Columbus, the Optimist Club and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Bob married the love of his life, Adele Amelia Falk, on September 1, 1956 and they enjoyed 61 years of wedded bliss until her death in 2018. Bob and Adele traveled frequently and enjoyed many trips within the US, as well as Hawaii and Europe but they especially loved seeing family and friends in Germany. Bob was never happier than when traveling and he made a total of 17 trips to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, his last in 2019. Bob traveled several times a year to the east coast to vacation with and visit with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and owner and attended many games, including the Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field on December 31, 1967.

Anyone who spent more than just a few moments with Bob had a friend for life. His ever-present smile was infectious and his kind and generous spirit uplifted everyone around him. He rarely complained about anything, always describing his day as “fantastic” or “never better”. Bob was one-of-a-kind and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the entire community.

In addition to Adele, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat (Phillips) VanGompel.

Bob is survived by son Kevin (Lynn) Phillips of NC, son Keith (Lisa) Phillips of VA, son Kent Phillips of WI, sister Nancy (Phillips) Vercauteran of WI, brother Bill Phillips of WI, and grandchildren Brenda Owens of NC, Jennifer (Bradley) Wheeler of NC, namesake Robert Phillips of VA, Savannah Phillips of MD and Ryan Phillips of VA, great-granddaughter, Della Wheeler of NC, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and devoted co-workers.

Family and friends may visit at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan Street, De Pere, on Friday, January 14, from 5-7pm. The Knights of Columbus will conduct a service at 6:00pm and a parish prayer service will be held at 6:30pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday morning at the church, from 9:30am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am. The graveside service will be a private ceremony at a later date at the Field of Honor at Ft. Howard Memorial Park. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.