Samuel Phillips Jr.

Samuel “Sam” Woodrow Wilson Philips Jr., 74, of New Lisbon, WI peacefully passed, with his wife and soulmate, Patti, at his side, on February 18, 2022 after an 8-month courageous battle with cancer.

Sam was born in Milwaukee, WI to parents, Samuel Phillips Sr. and Ms. Grace Higgins.   He graduated from Pulaski High School and then served in Vietnam with the US Amy (69-71) as a medic.  Sam would go on to invest 40 years of his professional life working for Waste Management. He started as a garbage truck driver, and then worked his way up through the ranks to be Milwaukee Market Area District Manager, a position he retired from in 2011.  Sam married the love of his life, Patti, in 1999 and from “Day 1” they were known as Sam N Patti.  In 2000, they built their future retirement home in New Lisbon, while residing during the work week in the Town of Ottawa in SE WI.  Sam was a diehard Harley Davidson enthusiast and an avid Great Lakes fisherman.  He was very proud of his impeccably maintained Heritage Softail, and Bay liner & Sea Ray, Slip Away and Slip Away II.  In his retirement years, Sam enjoyed UTV riding and RV camping adventures with his wife and friends. Sam was a true animal advocate. He loved spending quality time with his Black Labrador’s Chopper, Boomer, Oscar “Bubba” and Spyke.  Sam always enjoyed and was extremely supportive of the family equine related endeavors.   Not only did Sam have an infectious sense of humor, many were fans of his ability to make the worlds best Bloody Mary.   Sam was a proud Vietnam Veteran and was a member of the McEvoy-Miller VFW Post 2114 in Mauston, WI.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Ellen Kiesner.  He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Patti; his sisters Marianne (Michael) Neuman, Holly (Dave) Forchette; his brothers Patrick (Kathy) Phillips and Thomas Phillips. He is further survived by children Brenda (Raymond) Wolfe, Robert Winter (James Wilde) and Lori Phillip’s (Rick Muza); his grandchildren Ryan Wolfe, Alexa Muza and Ivy Muza,; his brother-in-law Daniel Kiesner; along with his nieces and nephews.   Sam was very proud of the special group of friends, aka “The Senior Happy Hour at Clearfield Pub” that were truly a second family to him. Sam’s memory will live on in hearts of many close friends that brought such cheer and humor to his life.

A Memorial service will be held at the Bethany Lutheran Church of New Lisbon located at 618 W. River Street, New Lisbon, WI.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 10am to noon on Saturday, March 12^th, 2022 with a service to follow.   Full Military Honors will be presented after the service with a luncheon to follow in the church hall.   A Celebration of Life gathering with be held at the Clearfield Pub at a later date this year.