Phillip Kohrs

1959 - 2026

Phillip Kohrs

January 22, 1959 - February 2, 2026

Phillip "Phil" Kohrs, 67, passed away after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born January 22, 1959, in Auburn, Nebraska to Sterling and Naomi Kohrs, and died on February 2, 2026 under the compassionate care of Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Phil grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Beatrice High School in 1977. He went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University, where he was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and where he met his wife, Gina. They were married on June 19, 1982 (or 1983, if you would have asked Phil).

They made their first home in Spencer and welcomed three children but soon found in-town living was not for them. Phil's deep love of the outdoors, paired with Gina's love of refurbishing old things, led them to purchase an old farmhouse along the Little Sioux River with many surrounding acres. Over the years, they worked side by side restoring the home, and Phil eventually fulfilled his dream of placing the land into a conservation program to preserve wildlife and create his ideal hunting ground.

Phil spent more than 30 years in the manufacturing industry as a Production Manager, beginning at Simonsen Iron Works and ending his career at Montag Manufacturing.

Phil was deeply committed to his faith, his family, and his community. He served as a Dickens Volunteer Firefighter and was active in Clay County Pheasants Forever. He also participated in other service organizations throughout his life.

He committed his life to Jesus Christ at an early age. Though he may have been gruff around the edges, he never wavered from his biblical beliefs. Serving on church boards, singing in the choir, leading youth groups, and participating in mission trips were all important parts of his life. Phil was especially proud to be a charter member of River's Edge Church-an experience that shaped his faith and was a meaningful part of his Christian journey.

Phil is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gina; daughters Elizabeth Blais (Justin) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Emily Nelson (Jason) of Harrisburg, SD; son Adam Kohrs (girlfriend April Johnson) both of Spencer, IA; grandchildren Jackson and Nash Blais and Ollie, Theo, and Finn Nelson; parents Sterling and Naomi Kohrs of Beatrice, NE; brothers Jeff (Lyn) Kohrs of Nebraska City, NE, and Scott (Loree) Kohrs of Highlands Ranch, CO; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and uncles.

Public visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at River's Edge Church, 701 E. 18th Street in Spencer, Iowa with Phil's Memorial Service at the same location at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice in charge of local arrangements.

Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel

708 N. 6th Street

Beatrice, NE 68310

402-223-3521