Bernie Phillips

Bernie Phillips, age 74, of Spillville, IA died Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 28, 2013, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, in Spillville, IA, with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 27, 2013, at the Balik Funeral Home, 211 South Main Street, in Spillville, IA., and also after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Monday morning. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday. Bernard Jerome Phillips was born on August 23, 1938, the son of Jerome and Julia (Frana) Phillips, on the family farm near Spillville, Iowa. Bernie attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from Calmar High School in 1956. He was united in marriage to Lois Stevens on September 7, 1959, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. Together they farmed on the family farm north of Spillville for many years. Bernie enjoyed collecting all kinds and makes of tractors, as well as toy tractors, reading, going to dances, playing practical jokes, and socializing in town. Above all, Bernie loved his family and spending time with them. Bernie was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where he was a lector, usher and served on the parish council. He also was a member in the Holy Name Society. Bernie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lois Phillips, Calmar, IA. Three daughters: Brenda (Keith) Kreitzer, Decorah, IA; Beth (Art) Perry, Waucoma, IA; and Brooke (fiance, Brent Frana) Phillips, Johnston, IA. Two sons: Bradley (Lori) Phillips, Decorah, IA, and Bruce (Wanita) Phillips, Calmar, IA. Thirteen grandchildren: Nathan and Cory Farley, David Kreitzer, Lukas, Trevor and Jarod Phillips, Sarah, Jalisa, Tanner and Abby Phillips, Bobbi Jo and Brock Perry, and Kaylie Widen. One great grandson: Beardon Farley. One sister: Marcella Soukup, Calmar, IA. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Lowell (Sandee) McLain, Spring, TX; Darryl (Marie) McLain, Cannon Falls, MN; and John Wenthold, Hayfield, IA and many nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents: Jerome and Julia (Frana) Phillips. Father and mother-in-law Earl and Vada (Roney) McLain. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Marvin Soukup, Sr., Milton and Ruth Stevens and Colleen Wenthold.