Phillip A.
Flasch
Visitation: Held on Friday 13th, 2019 from 1-3PM at the Funeral Home (16880 W. National Ave., New Berlin.)
Service: Held on Friday 13th, 2019 at 3PM at the Funeral Home (16880 W. National Ave., New Berlin.)
Phillip A. Flasch peacefully ended an extraordinary and adventure-filled life on December 9, 2019, surrounded by those he loved dearly and influenced greatly.
Loving husband to Marijane (nee Gosseck), beloved father to Todd (Dawn), Jane (Bryan), and Tim (Thea), grandfather to Amanda (Duncan), Adam (Mollie), Brittany and Brianna and great-grandfather to Sallie and Belle. The first born to Arthur and Ruth Flasch, Phil was a devoted big brother to Arlynn, Mary, Pete, Mike, Christine, Mark and Susie.
A talented singer, guitarist and banjoist, Phil developed a love of music at an early age. In the 1960’s his bands filled the dance hall at Muskego Beach and later as the front man for “the Melody Men” he entertained at hundreds of wedding receptions-engaging even reluctant dancers with his unique “mixers.” He instilled this precious gift of song to his children and grandchildren.
Self-taught and industrious, Phil traveled the world from Singapore to Australia to the South Pole for Aqua Chem for 49 years, bringing technology to convert seawater to fresh water (and meeting an occasional beer-loving monkey in Borneo along the way.)
Phil never met an engineering challenge he couldn’t solve. He designed and built kayaks, snow shoes and all manner of “gizmos” to remedy whatever needed fixing. To test the theory behind his invention of a super-cozy sleeping bag – he camped out in a snow bank- proving you can stay toasty at 10 below zero.
When his sisters’ ballet class put a call out for dance partners – he met Marijane Gossek. He swept her off her feet literally and figuratively – they married in 1960. The two shared an inspirational 59-year marriage born of respect and filled with humor and unconditional love.
Phil especially shared his love for adventure with his children – back packing, skiing, sailing and leading Boy Scout Troop 19. He enthusiastically embraced the next generation teaching his grandchildren to camp, fish and sing around the camp fire. When their children came along – he found a new energy and great joy as great “grandpa”
Phil will be greatly missed because of the example of love hard work and integrity that defined his life. Please join us in memorializing this extraordinary man Friday, December 13 at Heritage Funeral Home, 16880 West National Avenue, New Berlin. Calling hours 1:00 to 3:00pm, Service at 3:00.
Our condolences to the family, Phil has always been a truly wonderful man.
Phil and the band played at our wedding and has been a great uncle and inspiration as we have grown.
He holds a special place in our hearts.
This Advent season should help us all , knowing Phil has true faith and love for his Savior.
Tammy and Duke Cook
Phil was a great guy by any standard and a fellow musician for many years. When I heard of this very sad news today I could not help but go immediately to the album we all received from your 50th anniversary and our 45th band reunion. That was precious. I just talked about Phil just last week to a friend at a gig I played and what a great voice he had and a terrific front man he was.I think he sounded like Andy Williams.
I have a major memory. It was Mitch’s full size string base strapped on top of Phil’s T Bird ( 56 I think) using my mother’s wash line that we confiscated from the back yard at 71st street in West Allis. I have always wished we had a photo of that. Three of us packed into the bird. I was the smallest between Mitch and me so had the pleasure of squeezing in the nonexistent back seat for a drive either to Whitewater or Muskego. Do not remember exactly.
As usual our band was almost always great and to this day I miss it. You guys have had an incredible marriage to be envied by all and had the great pleasure of meeting them all at the 50th.
God Bless you Marijane. and your amazing family.
dale moser in Minneapolis
Our Condolences to the Flash family, growing up knowing a few of the Flash’s and have Phil and the band play at our wedding in 1976 are hearts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
God Bless you all and RIP Phil.
Well…where do I start memorializing one of my childhood idols? Uncle Phil was always the coolest guy I had the honor of knowing. How can you beat a Fender guitar-playing/+singing rock-n-roll band leader, who drove a ’56 Ford Thunderbird Port Hole Top/ convertible (red/white top, then solid black years later) and had a speed boat, and a gorgeous wife? Wow! He and Aunt Marijane were so wonderful while my Dad was in very poor health a few years ago, and they were such a tremendous help to him, my Mom, and our family. I am truly sorry for his loss, and will look forward to seeing him some day in Heaven. God’s blessings to the entire Flasch family . I am happy that you chose my dear friend Mark Reiss and Heritage Funeral Service to assist your family at this difficult time.
On behalf of the staff at Kat’s Cafe, we would like to extend our condolences to the Flash family. Phil was alway so kind and pleasant when he would visit us at the restaurant. He will truly be missed.