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BORN
1949
DIED
2025
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Ivan Phillips Obituary
May 8, 1949 - April 15, 2025
Ivan R. Phillips was born May 8, 1949 in Alliance, Nebraska. He grew up and spent most of his life working with horses and cattle. What he lacked in formal education he more than made up for in common sense and hard work. He learned how to ride, drive, or operate anything; always willing to give something new a try. The last half of his life was spent operating the family's homestead north of Whitman, Nebraska.
He married Phyllis Mae Kennedy from Arthur, Nebraska on August 23, 1968, in Gering, Nebraska. They had two sons Don (Val) of Omaha and Dean (Karen) of Valentine. As proud as he was of his two boys he was even more proud of his five grandchildren, McKenna "Sparky", Samantha "Sam", Mazi, Landon and Cooper.
His cows were special to him, but he never missed an opportunity to ride or work with his horses. He had a lot of pride in those horses. He enjoyed using Belgians to put up hay and feed cows and a good saddle horse was not only a tool for the ranch but the best way to just see the country. He had many fond memories of breaking horses and coyote hunting on horseback with his good friend Jason Garwood.
Ivan passed away on April 15, 2025, at Gordon Memorial Hospital in Gordon, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester Alfred "Mick" and Mildred May (Parkhurst), his older sister Ella May King, sister in-law Gloria (Kennedy) Hutchison, brother in-laws Donald "Mickey" Kennedy, Dan Glewwe, Jerry Kennedy, Darrell King, niece Angel Flick, and many good friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren, sister in-laws Nancy Glewwe, Kathy (Lionel) Williams, brother-in-law Kenny (Laurel) Kennedy, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
He chose not to have a funeral service but requested he be cremated with his ashes scattered at the ranch. Ivan would have wanted to thank all the nurses who did their best to make his life easier the past few years. He was also thankful for the generosity and kindness of his neighbors – the good old fashioned kind who pitched in, without his asking, to help an ol' cowboy.
Pier Funeral Home of Gordon in charge of arrangements
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Phillips
Sponsored by Pier Funeral Home - Gordon.
Kevin &Trish Valentine
April 26, 2025
We are saddened to hear of Ivan's passing. He was a good one cowboy one of the best.. sending g prayers and hugs to you all.
Tracy and Kay Hand
April 25, 2025
So sorry to hear about Ivan´s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family . Tracy and Kay Hand
Monty Z McNaught
April 24, 2025
In the winter of 1978 I left high school in Kadoka SD and went to work on the Hanna ranch at Brownlee NE. Ivan was the foreman there and he taught me (a 17 year old kid) a lot. I will always cherish those few years I worked for Ivan and the friendship after.
Shane Kaczor
April 23, 2025
He was my friend, a true cowboy! I enjoyed my yearly trip to the ranch to look at Cattle before he sent them to Bassett Livestock to sell. A gentle man with a deep passion for raising great Angus cattle.
Norma Brown
April 22, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ivan's passing, Sending Hugs and Prayers Phyllis to you and all your family.
Terria Hampton
April 22, 2025
So sorry for your loss Phyllis.
Cheryl Arment (Jarchow)
April 22, 2025
My condolences to Phyllis and the Kennedy family.
Ginny Lee
April 22, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of Ivan´s passing. If you keep his memories alive he will always be with you. Sending our prayers for all of you. Ginny Lee
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