Michael A. Phillips

Michael Anthony Phillips, 69, passed from energy to light Sunday evening, March 5, 2017, at the Comforts of Home memory care facility in Menomonie. At Mike's side was his partner and friend, Susan Sudbrink, and his associate and friend, Noel Smith. Mike was surrounded with love from his children during his final days. His 10-year struggle with dementia was over.

Mike was born Jan. 21, 1948, to his loving parents, Howell "Brownie" Brown Phillips and Mildred "Millie" Juanita Perkins Phillips in Knoxville, Tenn. Mike enjoyed a wonderful and nurturing upbringing including developing a close relationship with his brother, Chris Phillips, participating in Boy Scouts, managing an extremely successful newspaper route, competing in science fairs, taking Arthur Murray Dance lessons, attending Dale Carnegie courses, and demonstrating his athletic skills as captain of the Franklin High School swim team.

Mike started his radio career in high school as a disc jockey at WIFN in Franklin, Ind. After high school Mike attended the University of Louisville and the University of Minnesota, focusing his studies on statistical analytics and psychology, all the while working as an announcer at local radio stations.

In 1970, Mike was offered a position as a morning DJ at WDGY in Minneapolis. Mike borrowed the name "Charlie Van Dyke" and together with partner, Donald K. Martin they achieved ratings success in the competitive Minneapolis morning drive time segment during the early 70s. Mike's radio career was launched. In 1975 at the age of 27 years old, Mike purchased, along with his partner, "Everett," his first radio station WMNE-AM in Menomonie.

In the 25 years that followed, Mike expanded his Phillips Broadcasting radio group to include six major stations in the Chippewa Valley market, including creating and launching B-95 and Moose Country with the steadfast support of his General Manager, Rick Hencley and Business Manager, Linda Kuester. Mike also successfully led Missouri Valley Broadcasting along with the stellar leadership of his long time partners and friends, Marvin Luehrs and John Wilson. Mike was an early adapter of color radar weather technology which greatly increased the accuracy of storm tracking on the radio in the 1980s.

During his career as a broadcaster he supported many community organizations and charitable programs. One program Mike was extremely dedicated to and showed continued support of was the Toys for Tots program he started in Dunn County in 1985. The program has expanded considerably over the years and continues to make Christmas special for many children in the Chippewa Valley.

Mike was a proud father, a distinguished broadcaster, successful business person, an instrument trained and rated pilot, student of technology, accomplished photographer, avid cyclist, enthusiastic fan of movies and music, and a strong believer in the power of nature.

Mike is survived by his four endeared children, Ben (Natalie) of Wilmette, Ill., Charles of Waltham, Mass., Stacey of Colfax, Wis., and Joseph of Eau Claire; his loyal friend and loving partner of 19 years, Susan Sudbrink; three treasured grandchildren; his cherished brother, Chris (Ruth) of Franklin; special nieces and nephews, close friends, and respected associates.

Mike will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, his genuine interest in people, his entrepreneurial "anything is possible" spirit, but most of all for his unremitting SMILE. A private memorial service for the family is being planned for this spring.

The family has selected the Eau Claire YMCA to receive memorials in Mike's name. During the later stages of Mike's dementia, he participated in programs at the Y which contributed to helping maintain quality to his life. The Eau Claire YMCA is a "dementia friendly" organization. Memorials may be mailed to: Eau Claire YMCA, c/o Ken Van Es Executive Director, 700 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.