Philip Chatham Icke

1946 - 2025

Philip (Phil) Chatham Icke

November 4, 1946 - September 12, 2025

Philip Chatham Icke, age 78, a resourceful creator whose knack for invention was matched by his love of skiing, antiques, and storytelling, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wis., from kidney cancer. He was born in Madison on November 4, 1946, to George and Virginia (Black) Icke. Phil lived a life of remarkable resilience. At age 24, he survived a devastating boating accident that ultimately required both a liver and kidney transplant, yet he continued to live fully,

energetically, and on his own terms. He attended Highlands Mendota Beach School (now Crestwood), Wisconsin High, and later Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs - a transition he often described as one of the best things that ever happened to him. He went on to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Phil was employed with Icke Construction and Icke Properties, where his natural gift for fixing,

designing, and creating became well known. A plumber, electrician, carpenter, mechanic, and inventor all rolled into one, Phil could build or repair nearly anything. If he didn't have the right tool, he made it? if something couldn't be fixed, he redesigned it. Stories of his ingenuity abound: when faced with a costly car repair, he pulled out the engine himself, repaired it, and reinstalled it. He once built a geothermal heating system for his McFarland home, designed a ski hill with a rope tow powered by a tractor (even if it ran backwards at first), and famously dropped a Corvette V-8 engine into an old Willys Jeep - forgetting to bolt the seats, which launched him into the backseat on his first test drive. Phil's love of antiques grew into a lifelong passion. He filled sheds with machines and treasures, often buying and selling with the counsel of his former wife and dear friend, Tara Icke, who remained a close and supportive presence throughout his life. He was a voracious reader and a collector at heart. A gifted skier, Phil instructed across Wisconsin, in Park City, and ultimately at Deer Valley in Utah, where he realized his dream of teaching out west well into his 70s. He loved rollerblading, sailing his Hobie Cat, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and telling questionable puns - often groan-worthy but always memorable. Above all, Phil will be remembered for the depth of his love and generosity. He shared a special bond with his daughter, Lidia, who became his greatest joy and closest companion. Despite his illness, Phil twice traveled to Colorado to support her - once for their Fountain Valley reunion and again for her graduation with a master's degree from the University of Denver. In his final months,

Lidia returned that devotion, caring for her father with tenderness and strength that will forever be cherished. Phil is survived by his stepdaughter, Lidia Chalova? siblings, John (Karen) Icke and Jenna (Doris) Brown? brother-in-law, Tad Dunn? numerous nieces and nephews spanning three generations? many cousins, including Chris (Belinda) Green with whom he had a meaningful relationship? and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Joan Dunn, who always welcomed him warmly into her home. Phil was a man of contrasts: equally at home operating a noisy crane as he was carving a perfect turn on fresh Utah powder. He was strong, resourceful, stubborn at times, and endlessly creative. He lived with upright posture, boundless energy, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. With heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals and organ donors who sustained Phil's life for the past 55 years, and to Agrace Hospice professionals Jess Hynek and Grace Bailie for their compassionate care. It is whispered that on his way to heaven, Phil paused to rearrange a few things in the universe and repair a broken star. We hope you will join us in honoring his life and sharing memories. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Phil's life at Vintage Brewing Co., Sauk Prairie, on Sunday, October 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.