Robert Philips
May 28, 1947 ~ June 8, 2016
Robert “Bob” Philips, age 69, of Nashua died Wednesday, June 8, 2016, from injuries sustained in an accident south of Charles City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Charles City with Rev. Gary Mayer celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by Bob's family. Lector for the Mass will be Rita Swinton, and presenting the offertory gifts will be Sarah Kopski, Bob and Judy Carothers, and Karen Lansing.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2016, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua, where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church in Charles City on Tuesday.
Robert William Philips was born May 28, 1947, in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Marjorie (Ernst) Philips. He attended St. Benedict's Catholic School in Decorah until the eighth grade and graduated from De Sales High School in Ossian, Iowa, in 1965. He pursued additional education, graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969 with a degree in Music Education. On August 16, 1969, Bob married Mary Lansing at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. To this union three children were born.
Bob was a vocal music instructor in Lake Mills and Greene for four years. He then began working for B & W Foods in Greene and Nashua. After several years, he purchased the business renaming it B & D Foods. He owned and operated the store until its closing in 2009. He then worked for RGIS Inventory Specialists until the time of the accident.
Bob had a immense passion for music, an integral part of his life. He was the music director at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Nashua, playing the organ, directing the choir, and singing at many parish weddings and funerals. Bob sang in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church choir in Charles City and with the Charles City Singers. He was the director of the community chorus in Nashua for many years. Bob assisted Mary with technical lighting and sound for many of the Nashua-Plainfield High School plays and musicals.
Bob enjoyed camping, gardening, and traveling to many of the national parks across the country. Later in life Bob took up cycling after he was the support person on RAGBRAI for his daughter Laura's family team in 2013. In 2014 Bob decided to ride for three days of the event with Laura. This year he planned on completing the week-long ride with his family.
For the past 9 years, Bob was part of Jung's Tae Kwon Do in Nashua and New Hampton, earning his 3rd Don Black Belt.
He was an active member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, spent many years on the Nashua Ambulance Crew, and enjoyed teaching youth in any capacity possible.
Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary; son, Mark Philips of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Laura (Phillip) Armes of Seattle, WA, Regina Philips of Riverside, FL; five grandchildren, Kylie Buckna, Anika Philips, Isaac Armes, Levi Armes, and Lindsay Armes; brother, Thomas Philips of Port Lavaca, TX; sister-in-law, Sandi Philips of Ames, IA; and seven nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marjorie Philips; in-laws, Mary and Carl Lansing; and business partner, Darwin Pohl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charles City Singers, Immaculate Conception Catholic School Scholarship Fund, The Alzheimer's Association, or Nashua Plainfield Music Department.
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I knew Bob as a kid living in Decorah. He was a few years older than my brother and I. Our parents were close friends. Didn’t learn of his passing until 8/19/17. I last saw Bob at his Dad’s funeral. Always liked both Tom & Bob. Sorry to learn of his passing. Jim Schell Decorah, Iowa.
I served on the ambulance crew with Bob in the 1980’s and I was glad to have that experience. He certainly displayed a heart of service to others. Joanne and raised our young family in Nashua for 10 years and Bob was a part of those pleasant memories. We send our Christian condolences to his family. Jon and Joanne Hardinger and family.
R.I.P. bob you will be missed at work.
Audrey Kaplan lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
I watched him spar several times he had the heart of a true lion . always moving forward always smiling and coaching the kids ..He will be missed for sure …Rest in Peace
Tom & Anita Sullivan lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Robert “Bob” William Philips.
Bob And Joyce Beck lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mary and the family. I worked with Bob at B&D for several years growing up in Nashua and he always had a positive outlook on life. Having him sing at our wedding was a blessing and we considered at honor (though he humbly felt the honor was his). I am certain he will be truly missed by many and I am sure ‘Heaven’s Choir’ just became greater with him in it. Rod & Sandy Hicok
Jim And Sandy Lantow sent a virtual gift in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Jim And Sandy Lantow sent a virtual gift in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Jerry Adelmund lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your family and community member. I heard this story in the news and read more. As a former music teacher, I know how much his example of using his gift means to all those he touched. I will sing with extra voice tonight at church to add my prayers for you who are left to heal in the absence of this special man.
Dear Mary: We both send our heartfelt sympathy to you and to your family. Faithfully, Tom and Mary Mowbray
So sorry for the loss of such a great man and friend. The world is a little smaller today.
Mary and family, Sorry for the passing of Bob. I am glad I got to know him a little more when he came to the Little Chapel. Received many comments on his singing as he had a great voice. Will keep Bob and all of you in my prayers. Victoria Lansing Phoenix, AZ viclansing@centurylink.net
Tom & Doreen Franzen
Since I heard of Bob ‘s passing, I have been so sad. My heart is breaking for his family. I worked for Bob for many years at B & D & grew up with Mark & Laura. Reflecting back, Bob was a great figure in my life teaching me many life lessons & work ethic. He was one you would enjoy being around yet you knew when it was a serious time as well. I wish I could have told him how he impacted my life in a positive way. I was honored that he played the organ & sung at our wedding. We indeed lost a great man that still had many years of impacting others in the way only Bob knew how to do. Mary, Mark, Laura & Gina I wish I could be there to give you a loving hug. Know I am praying & thinking of you. When I think of your hubby/dad it will be of his incredible smile. Heaven now has beautiful music playing. Love, Tim & Jill Jones & Boys!
Dinner at your house in Greene….lights up, lights down for so many musicals with the good cop and the bad cop…..a quick, easy smile…beautiful voice. He is singing in the choir in heaven right now. My deepest sympathy to Mary and the rest of the family.
The community has lost a kind and friendly man. Who made my trips to the grocery store memorable and fun. And lit up the stage for many young actors. I’m so saddened for the Phillips’ family…
Quiet Expressions was purchased for the family of Robert “Bob” William Philips.
Mrs. Philips, I’m so sorry for your loss! Stephanie Hartmann
Jim And Cindi Wilken lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
The greatest memory Maddie and Adam have of Mr. Phillips was how hard he could push them TKD. He knew what they could do and he would never settle for less. There are no words for how much he will be missed…. The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts, the best place to be is in someone’s prayers, the greatest place to be is in God’s hands….
Kelly, Stephen & Erin Kramer lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man. He always had a smile and a hello for you every time you saw him. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Beck Stover lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Diane Cero Bilharz lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Lori And Stephen Lee lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Alan & Cathy McGregor lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Erik And Cindi Nelson lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Doug & Terri Gibbs lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Jeannie Jordan Laube lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of the death of your dear husband and father. Keep telling his story and sharing your memories.
Mary, Mark, Laura and Gina; Sending my sympathies to your family on the tragic loss of Bob. He was the best! I have so enjoyed him being my accompanist for NP Choir. We will miss him greatly. The students loved him as I know he loved working with them. His expertise and friendship has left an impact on me. Heaven has gained a wonderfully talented angel!
Kathy, Wayde & Keegan Henry lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Keegan, Wayde and I would like to send our deepest condolences to the Phillips family. Keegan really enjoyed working at B&D. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss you will be in my thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Hoping your wonderful memories will help you through this very difficult time. Bob was a very kind man. He will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. John Neil
Leroy Kellner lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
So sorry for your loss. I worked at the B&D with Bob and Darwin. Bob was a great boss and a very nice person. Prayers to all of the family.
I knew Bob most all of my life. He was one of a kind, and I enjoyed working for him at B&D. As our little community struggles to wrap our heads around this tragedy, I hope Mary, Mark, Laura , Gina and the rest of the family know much they’re being thought of during this incredibly difficult time. Love and many prayers being sent to all of you –Christy Deutsch
Kendall Kelleher lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Mary, Mark, Laura, Gina and family members: We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Though words are of no comfort at this time, we hope that our prayers will bring each of you a sense of God’s grace and peace. We have many fond memories of singing in St. Michael’s choir with Bob as our fearless leader. God’s blessings and peace be with each of you. Kendra & Kevin Gilbert
He was always good to me. R.I.P. Lisa (molosky) coughlin
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s death yesterday. We send our sincere sympathy to all of his family. He will be missed a lot. Beth (Bloom) Swyter and Roger Swyter.
Sending my sincere sympathy to all of Bob’s family-He will be missed. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories bring you peace and healing in the days ahead.
thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of one awesome, highly talented man. Nashua lost another great one. Remembering working along side of you in the many years we served on the Nashua Ambulance crew and the talent shows we would sing at. So many lives you touched and made a difference in, gone but never forgotten.
So so sorry for your loss! Bob was just the nicest guy!
Sorry for your loss
Terry And Shawna Hillesheim lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Our Condolences to the family. I remember he always had a friendly smile at the grocery store and asked about the family. He had keen ear for music. Mr. Phillips was often invited to listen to the band or choir before contests and give helpful suggestions on how to improve the piece. God Bless.
Larry And Cindy Shoemaker lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Dirk And Janise lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Mike & Deb Stastny lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
What a loss for the family and the community. Bob was a person that really made a difference in everything he was involved with always giving it his all. We will miss him and think of him when we sing with the Charles City Singers. My deepest sympathies to all of you. Steve Heitbrink
Dave And Vicky Bast lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
John &Mary Tegtmeier lit a candle in memory of Robert “Bob” William Philips
Always Smiling and with a little laugh—All has been said of what Bob meant to the community of Nashua —-in his business, with his music, on the ambulance crew and more. He was a great husband and dad to his family. He’s probably getting things organized in heaven and will soon have a heavenly choir !!!!!
Dear Mary and family, Just heard the news and am so sorry for the loss. Was looking forward to seeing you two at St Anthony’s. Joyce Justis
So sorry to hear about Bob. Nashua will miss you Bob, you were always so nice to my girls and you were a super boss. I always admired ‘how you could always be on the go and never seem to slow down, busy at the store, family, community, church and school functions! You made beautiful music and I know all our loved ones are enjoying your music in heaven. My prayers to all the Philips Family
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I went to high school with him at DeSales. I have fond memories of our time there. Mary and family, I will keep you in my prayers.