Philip James Eilers

2002 - 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Philip James Eilers, who died on Sept. 1, 2025.

Philip was born Dec. 14, 2002, the loving son of Steven and Lisa Eilers, brother of Sarah and Jacob. He grew up in Brook and attended South Newton High School until a misguided cyber security experiment required him to switch schools to Donovan High School, from which he graduated in 2021.

Though he was young, Philip had an old soul and he knew how to have fun and enjoy life. He was an active member of FFA, a 10-year member of 4H, the Newton County Beef Barn and Newton County Shooting Sports. Philip found joy in shooting sports, John Deere tractors and Ford trucks, the older and junkier the better. He also loved Hereford cattle (thanks to BJ Johnson as well as Jim and Pam Chamberlain), costing his dad a small fortune. Philip loved animals and he learned much from his cattle and his dogs: Lucy, Bear, and Sadie. His cattle were an immense point of pride for Philip, and so was his John Deere 4430 that he got from his grandfather.

Philip loved to read and had a particular interest in constitutional history. He was an independent thinker with a strong sense of patriotism. He loved his community and his country. Music was also an important part of Philip's life as he taught himself to play guitar, and then progressed to the banjo. He loved the music of John Prine, Guy Clark, Buddy Guy, and Led Zeppelin.

Philip's death will be mourned by countless family and friends. Among those still around to feel the impact of this terrible loss are his grandparents, Steve and Rita Eilers, John and Rhonda Bouse and Russell Schoonveld; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In death, Philip joins Christine Schoonveld; his beloved great-uncle, Philip Schultz; and his great-grandfather, Jim Schultz- for whom he was named.

Philip was a resilient person who never gave up, and never gave in.

Visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 8 at Brook United Methodist Church from 5 – 7 p.m. CST. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. CST Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the church.

Graveside service will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Beaverville, Ill.

It is Philip's express wish that friends and family attend events dressed to their personal comfort level.

The family asks that memorials be made to the Newton County 4-H Beef Barn in his honor.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler, and Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main Street, Brook, 219-275-6161, www.KellerFH.com