Raymond J. Phillips

Raymond J. Phillips, 87, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2015. He was born on August 31, 1927, in rural Green Bay to the late John and Josephine (Kaster) Phillips. He married Aurelia Gillis on October 27, 1948. She preceded him in death on December 28, 1980. On March 4, 1982, he married Arlene (Tilot) Greatens at Holy Martyrs Church.

Ray was a hardworking, dedicated man. While dairy farming he worked 41 years at Proctor and Gamble, drove gravel truck for his brother Elmer and delivered chicken for Woodside Country Club. As a lifelong member of Holy Martyrs Church, now Prince of Peace, Ray used his time and talent in building cabinets for the school and plant stands for the church. He also ushered, cooked for the Holy Name pork and beef dinners, and made chicken booyah for the church picnic for 30 years.

After he retired, he continued to work as a volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul and Paul's Pantry. He would get up at 6:00 a.m. and say "Time to go to my job!" He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4735. Ray occupied his free time with dreaming up different ways to do things. He would create new patterns for his woodwork, take apart and fix everything. Ray loved being outdoors, doing everything from mowing the lawn, planting the garden, and being on his tractor as much as possible. During his 32 years of marriage to Arlene, Ray enjoyed their travels throughout the United States, Canada, and Belgium. He even went white water rafting in Alaska at the age of 70! Ray struggled with his health problems but managed a smile despite the pain, especially when his grandkids climbed onto his lap.

Ray is survived by his wife Arlene; daughters, Kris (John) Gardner, Kathy (Bob) Vincent and Karla (Mike) Kaster; daughter-in-law, Mary Phillips; step-daughters, Sharon (Dave) Rudolph, Sandy (Dan) Hendricks, Joan (Mike) Malach, and Ginger (Jonathan) Cheng; brothers, Elmer and John (Joan) Phillips. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, Adeline Phillips, Joan Phillips, Urania Schwabenlander, Harold (Hellen) Gillis, Larry (Jean) Gillis, Judy Gillis, Gerald (Lillymae) Cravillion, Gerald (Marcie) Tilot, Jackie Van Laanen, Maurice (Rita) Tilot, Ken (Shirley) Tilot, Sally (Allan) Borley, Angie (Marvin) Deterville, 20 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Aurelia; sons, Randy and Gene; brothers, Richard (Helen), Clifford (Lucille), Edwin, Marvin, and David; Joyce Phillips, Gary Gillis, Loletta Cravillion, and Cy Van Laanen.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 9, 2015 at Prince of Peace Parish, 3425 Willow Road, Green Bay, WI, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:30pm with Rev. Dan Viertel presiding.

A special thank you to the Bellin nursing staff and doctors, especially Drs. Landren, Foster, and Amy James, Unity Hospice (Jean and Linda), and the staff at Woodside Manor Rehab.

In lieu of flowers there will be a memorial fund established.