Ronald Phillips

Ronald D. Phillips, 89, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

Ron was born on August 24, 1933, in Seneca Township in rural Crawford County, Wisconsin, to Willie and Ruby (Burns) Phillips.  He was a 1952 graduate of La Crosse Central High School.  Ron was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served over in Germany during the Korean War.  On January 13 ^th and 14 ^th of 1956, Ron married Donna Mae Fauska in Bad Kissingen, Germany.

Ron worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 30 years before retiring.  In his retirement years, he worked part-time for Quillin’s Grocery and St. Joseph Equipment.  He was a long-time, active member of Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse where he served as an usher, on the church council and as church treasurer.  He was a member of the Lutheran Boy Pioneer Council and was an “Honorary Grandpa” to young children when their parents communed at church services.  Ron was a member of the La Crosse Oktoberfest Grenadier Corps and served as Grenadier General in 1993.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Donna Mae; his children, David (Laura) Phillips of Decatur, IL, and Rhonda (Steve) Davison of River Falls, WI; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Daniels, Karen (Josh) Smith, and Jacquelyn (Joe) Sahnow; great grandchildren, Gabrielle and Julia Daniels, Trisha Smith, Kiersten Williams, and Jaxon Sahnow; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Zachary Wateski; and his brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 2 ^nd , at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Pastor Andrew Franzo will officiate.  Military honors will follow the service outside the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Luther High School, or the Gundersen Medical Foundation.