Tommy Phipps

A livestream of Tommy's Memorial Service can be viewed in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

In Loving Memory of Tommy Phipps

April 17, 1949 - June 8, 2025

Tommy Phipps, a true jack of all trades with a heart full of humor and a knack for fixing just about anything except maybe a quiet room, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at the young age of 76. Born on April 17, 1949, Tommy never quite felt his age - and wouldn't have believed it even if you showed him the math.

A proud and independent craftsman, Tommy owned and worked out of his own shop - his personal kingdom of tools, grease, and sawdust. There, he brought engines back to life, welded things other people would've thrown away, and turned rough wood into something beautiful. If it had moving parts, he could fix it. If it didn't, he'd probably try anyway.

He also had a talent for pool - or at least for looking good holding a cue stick. He loved telling Little Johnny and Ole and Sven jokes, and if you heard him laugh, you'd probably laugh too, even if you missed the punchline.

Tommy was a beloved dog dad to Daisy, Zoey, and Charlee (his "favorite kid," though he didn't always say it out loud - but we all knew). Those dogs weren't just pets - they were shop supervisors, lunch companions, and occasional bark-powered security alarms.

Tommy is lovingly remembered by his longtime partner, Robin Schmitt; his son, Jason Phipps, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Phipps; his five grandchildren: Katelin Phipps, Larry Phipps, Isaiah Phipps, Ryan Cooper, and Brayden Cooper; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Phipps; his parents, Lucille and Judson Phipps; and his sisters, Nancy Wagner and Margie Fillitz - all of whom we're sure welcomed him with open arms and probably handed him a wrench the second he arrived.

A memorial service to celebrate Tommy's life will be held on June 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Gesche Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Friends and family are welcome - flannel shirts and tool talk encouraged.

Tommy will be remembered for the things he built, the laughs he shared, and the love he gave - always with a spark of ingenuity and a twinkle in his eye. His was a life lived full-throttle, slightly off-script, and entirely on his own terms. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Tommy's family with funeral arrangements.