Obituary: Elmer Phipps

Elmer Phipps, age 87, of rural Brillion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.

Elmer was born on January 22, 1935 in Glenbulah, Sheboygan County, son of the late Walter and Alma (Laubenstein) Phipps. He was a graduate of Plymouth High School, class of 1952. Elmer served our county in the United States Army. On October 3, 1959, he married Mary Resch at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whitelaw. Elmer and Mary bought a dairy farm in 1964, and he worked on that farm up until his 85th year.

The couple also enjoyed spending time together, and often times would go dancing and travel together. Elmer was a member of Holy Family Catholic Parish, the Knights of Columbus, the Manitowoc Mutual Insurance Board, Reedsville AmVet Post 1032, and the Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary of Brillion; their children and spouses: William “Bill” (fiancée Cindy) of Manitowoc, Shirlee (Ron) Kohlbeck of Kellnersville, Mary (Pat) Timm of Brillion, Janet (Jim) Fischer of Brillion, Steven (Debra) of Stockbridge, Sarah Greuel of Two Rivers, and Christine (Andrew) Novak of Kiel; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law: Walter & Orlene Phipps of Glenbulah; other in-laws: Joe Resch and Margaret “Margie” Gwidt; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Louis & Margaret Resch, grandchildren, one sister and brother-in-law: Lyla & Kenny Schuette, other in-laws: Harry (Anna) Resch, Louis (Dorothy) Resch, Norman (Mary) Resch, Dorothy (Jim) Preston, Bernice Resch, and John Gwidt; and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating will be Father Tom Pomeroy and Deacon Greg Van Thiel. Friends may call at the church on Sunday, January 30 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the afternoon officiated by Deacon Greg Van Thiel and the Knights of Columbus. The visitation will continue on Monday morning, also at church, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Military Rites will be accorded by the AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Reedsville.

Online condolences may be made. Special thank you to the staff at Aurora Health, Home Instead Senior Care, Sharon Richardson Hospice Care, neighbors, family and friends for all of their care, support and dignity shared with Elmer and his family. The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville assisted the family with funeral arrangements.