Phillip Elmer Bemer

Phillip Elmer Bemer, 66 of Cedar Rapids passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2020, after fighting a complicated illness for nearly two years. Services: 12:00 P.M. Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Teahen Funeral Home. Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery in Covington. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. prior to the services.

The funeral home requires all in attendance to wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines

Phillip is survived by his favorite and only daughter, Melissa (Alfani Sawasawa) Bemer-Ugalde of Cedar Rapids and his favorite son and only son, Phillip (Debbie) Bemer Jr of Ely; his grandchildren, Hugo Ugalde- Bemer, Andrea Ugalde- Bemer, Alphani Sawsawa- Bemer III, all of Cedar Rapids, Phillip-Austyn Bemer III of Marion, Alyssa (Quintin) Embray of Van Horne, and Mariah (Jared) Klein of Blairstown; his great grandchildren, Alivia and Aden Embray and Bentley Klein; his brothers Larry Bemer Sr. of Ohio, and Richard “Dick” (Sandi) Bemer of Manchester; he also had many nieces, nephews, and friends who meant so much to him.

He was proceeded in death by his wife; Janet Bemer in 2008; his parents, along with his step dad, Donald Gilbert, who raised him as his own son; and his brothers Randy and Gene Bemer.

Phillip was born on July 19th 1954, the son of Elmer and Marilyn (Ford) Bemer in Cedar Rapids. He attended Kennedy High School and went on to work on the family farm. Phillip was lucky enough to have his step dad, Donald Gilbert, come into his life and raise him as his own. He married Christina (Early) Bemer in 1979, with whom he had his children with. Phillip then married Janet Bemer in 1989, who he loved greatly until her passing in 2008. Phillip was a hardworking man that established his own business, Bemer Hauling, in 1982. He was the Owner and Operator until 2018, when he had to retire due to his illness.

It’s hard to put into words to describe the type of man Phillip was; he liked to say “it’s hard to be so humble when you are perfect in every way”. He loved his family dearly and protected and provided for them however he could.  He never met a stranger and was always happy to stop and have a conversation or tell one of his many stories. He was incredibly selfless and would always help anyone before himself; he took a lot of pride in the fact that if his children ever needed anything he was the first person they’d go to. Phillip was well known in the community, not only for his hard work ethic but for his genuine laugh and his orange hauling trucks. Coffee was a must in Phillip’s life, even drinking it till the very end. He also enjoyed playing bingo and collecting Coca- Cola memorabilia.

To say that Phillip will be missed is an understatement. He made a huge impact on those who knew and loved him. His loss has left a huge hole but his memory will go on in the stories that will be told; there are plenty and they’re worth a listen.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.