Richard “Rick” Phillip, 66

Richard “Rick” Phillip, of Stevens Point, passed away May 10, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 66.

Rick was born August 19, 1956, in Mill Creek, Wis.; the son of Casimer and Esther (née Klesmit) Phillip. Growing up, he attended local schools and helped out on the family farm. He learned the value of hard work at a young age but also loved the work he did, often reminiscing about the fun he had baling hay. In 1974, Rick completed his education and graduated from Stevens Point Area High School.

Following high school, Rick entered the workforce. He worked most of his adult life as a truck driver, beginning in sewer and water construction, then as a long-haul truck driver, and later on driving a dump truck for road construction.

In 1978, Rick married Deborah Domka and the two welcomed two beautiful children; Kimberly and Casimer. Rick and Deborah later divorced, but Rick remained a dedicated father and enjoyed any time spent with them, well into their adulthood.

Rick went on to meet Gayle Zivney and found love once again. He and Gayle married on September 22, 2001.

Rick was well-liked and personable; he never met another person he couldn’t talk to. Additionally, he had a deep love for God and practiced his love for all creatures through his display of kindness and loyalty. Rick was also a man who loved the outdoors. He spent his free time hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, and cutting down trees. He was also a talented musician. He had a passion for polka music and enjoyed playing trumpet and drums in a number of polka bands. At one time, Rick had his own band, Polka Magic. In fact, a polka dance was where he met Gayle; and as they say, the rest is history.

Rick is lovingly survived by his wife, Gayle; his children, Kimberly (Matthew) Crans and Casimer (Amanda) Phillip Sr.; his grandchildren, Deanna (Broc) Auringer, Meghan Rogalski, Robert Rogalski, Abigail Rogalski, Casimer Phillip, Jr., Cooper Phillip, Crocket Phillip, Aiden Raykowski, and Kneila Raykowski. He is further survived by his siblings, Tom (Diane) Phillip, Elaine (Leonard) Jazdzewski, and Bill (Darlene) Phillip.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Casimer and Esther Phillip.

The family would like to thank the second-floor nurses and doctors at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital for their compassionate care during Rick’s hospitalizations.

A funeral service for Rick will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.