Robert “Bob” Phillips

Robert “Bob” Phillips, 66, of Black Valley, rural Wilton, passed away at his home Saturday, June 22, 2019. Bob was born in Rockford, Ill., on May 18, 1953, to Lawrence and Jennie Mary (Zito) Phillips.

Bob began working at Daimler Chrysler in Belvedere, Ill., when he was 17 years old. Once the company found out his age, they made him quit until he turned 18. Bob continued working there for 31 years. 

Bob married his best friend, Donna Downing, on Aug. 19, 1978. 

Upon retirement, he worked at a variety of places. One of his most memorable was when he played “trainman” at Jellystone Park in Warrens in the 2007 and 2008 summer seasons. 

Throughout his life, he always had a passion for working on and taking his iet boat to the lakes and rivers with family and friends.  He loved that his two sons, Brian and Michael, shared his passion for jet boats. He loved deer hunting and bass fishing. Bob was an avid poker player, as he would gather with friends every Monday night for poker night. Bob loved his bar room/game room and would play pool and games with all the family members and grandkids. Bob was excited to here that his grandson Joey and girlfriend Hannah are expecting a child and Bob was going to be a great-grandfather. 

In 2004, Bob and Donna moved to their little piece of paradise in Black Valley.

Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna; his children, Michael Phillips, 36, of Necedah, Brian, 28, (Maddie Backes) Phillips and children, the twins, Sam, 4, Mia, 4 and Max, 2, all of New Lisbon, Christina, 39, (Joe) Moyers and children, Joey, 21, (Hannah), Briannaca, 18, (Jaimi) and Jaxon, 6, of Machesney Park, Ill., Melody Phillips and Tony Westergaard; a brother, Keith (Kathy) Vavra; along with other grandchildren, relatives and many dear friends. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry Phillips. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced as soon as it becomes available by Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Comments are closed.

  • Linda Lee Smith

    March 26th, 2024
    by

    Linda Lee Smith departed for the journey to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 16, 2024. 


    Rita Jo (Rueckheim) Hammond

    March 26th, 2024
    by

    It is with great sorrow we announce that we lost a sister and friend, Rita Jo (Rueckheim) Hammond. Rita, 62, of Sparta, Wis., passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mayo Health in Sparta, Wis.


    Mary Wallace

    March 25th, 2024
    by

    Mary Wallace, 79, of Viroqua Wis., died March 21, 2024. She was born to Bert and Lola (Clark) Wallace on Aug. 15, 1944. 


    Danielle J. Fields

    March 20th, 2024
    by

    Danielle J. Fields, 23, of Sparta passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. She was born Sept. 3, 2000, to Jacci Osmond and Eric Fields in Tomah. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 2018.


    Kenneth R. McDaniel

    March 16th, 2024
    by

    Kenneth R. McDaniel, 88, of Tomah passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. 


  • Sandra Ann Collins

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Sandra Ann Collins, 77, an incredibly loving mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on March 13, 2024, peacefully at her home. 


    Alan Burgess Willis

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Alan Burgess Willis, 84, of Westby, Wis., passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024.  Alan was born Sept. 13, 1939, to Alfred “Fred” and Florence (Lamb) Willis in Whitestown, Vernon County, Wis.


    Linda Lou Zimmerman

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Linda Lou Zimmerman, 66, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Linda was born to George and Edna (Brock) Abbenaus on June 27, 1957, in Billings, Mont.


    Patrick Donald Leis

    March 5th, 2024
    by

    Patrick Donald Leis, 61, of Westby, formerly of Cashton, Wis., died March 4, 2024, at the Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.


    Kim Ballwahn

    March 5th, 2024
    by

    Kim Ballwahn, 63, of Wilton went home to meet Jesus on March 4, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


    Ardella Marie Leis

    February 26th, 2024
    by

    Ardella Marie Leis, 89, of Cashton, Wis., passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Ardella was born March 17, 1934, to Joseph and Irma (Schmitz) Schreier. 


  • Archives