"Gary was one of the best person I knew I met Gary many years ago ,as he then shared 27 years with my niece Terri ann, long time to get to know this man He was one of the best God has a perfect angel now Gary we love and miss you rest in peace young man love you from Diana vondran "
In loving memory of
Gary J Phillips
March 22, 1964 - October 6, 2021
Gary, son of Willie J. and Vera Ingrid (Hanke) Phillips, was born March 22, 1964, in Watertown, South Dakota. The family relocated to Loves Park, Illinois in 1967. Gary graduated from Harlem High School there in 1982. He then joined his dad working at Phillips Machine, the family-owned industrial moving business. Gary was an entrepreneur who operated his own businesses on the side. These included landscaping and automotive specialty, building motors for racecars. In 2018 Gary moved to Britt, Iowa to retire. He liked being closer to his sister and to his "brother from another mother", cousin Robert Lorenzen. He loved NASCAR and was a big Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan. Gary took many fishing trips with his dad and friends in northern Minnesota. He was also a Harley fanatic and enjoyed riding his Harley trike. Gary and his dear friend from high school, Sheryl Aguinaga, would go on motorcycle rides, each on their own bike, to local parks to enjoy the scenery. They continued to do this from Illinois to Iowa.
Gary passed away at the Titonka Care Center in Titonka, Iowa, October 6, 2021. He was 57. Survivors include his mother Ingrid Phillips of Britt, IA; sister Nancy (Marlin) Brandt of Titonka, IA; nieces and nephews Dylan (Aleysha) Brandt and their daughters Abigail and Lexie, and Tessa Brandt (Joseph Arzaga) and their daughters Olivia and Evelyn; and many cousins and other relatives. Gary's father Willie preceded him in death February 14, 2021.
A visitation for both Gary and his father Willie will be 4 - 6 pm Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Titonka. Private family burial will take place at Bingham Township Cemetery in Woden, Iowa.
Tributes
"Gary you?re going be missing I know Gary when he wasn?t 3 year old he was so cutie with curry hair miss you and love you Bobbie Wigtion."
"Gary you will definitely be missed by our family and many others . Always there to lend a hand , an ear and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it . I know your no longer suffering and the pain is now gone . So now it?s time to go fishing with your dad and catch that big one. Until we meet again my friend .. beep beep Angie, Marv and Kaitlin"
"GARY WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD .WAS Always there with open hands for anyone in need. HE WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY Heart.I love u Gary FLY High my friend"
"Well, Gary you are going to be missed. Going to miss our talks, and laughs about memories that we shared, but I know you are pain free now. Say \"hi\" to everyone that is there, and give our furry ones a a kiss from me. I will always love you! ~ Terri"