Micheal Robert "Mike" Phillips

1949 - 2024

Micheal "Mike" Robert Phillips

July 23, 1949 - December 19, 2024

GRAND ISLAND - Micheal "Mike" Robert Phillips, 75, of Grand Island passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Memorial service and celebration of Mike's life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Daniel Naranjo and Rev. Nicole Schwartz-Eck will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery.

There is a gathering of family and friends on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home.

Mike was born July 23, 1949, at Kearney, NE. He grew up in Hastings but soon moved to Grand Island and attended Dodge Elementary, Walnut Junior High and graduated from Grand Island Senior High, class of 1967. He attended and graduated from SCC at Milford with a degree as a Diesel Technician.

Mike enlisted with the Air National Guard, serving for six years, and was honorably discharged July 24, 1973. He married Bonnie Snyder, the mother of Tricia and Jamie, in 1971. Mike later married Carol 'Mader' Etherton on August 16, 2014.

Always working in the automotive industry, Mike worked at Owl Auto and was the "M" in DM&B Automotive. He then became co-owner and manager of Anderson Auto Parts until his retirement. He was a member of United Methodist Church in St. Paul and a member of the trustee committee. He enjoyed helping with the soup suppers and was known for his homemade noodles.

A devoted father and grandfather, his girls have memories spent with their father flying kites, bike riding, fishing and camping. Later Mike loved following his grandchildren's sporting events. He was so proud of the adults they have become. He also enjoyed automobiles, whether it was racing, attending the races or working on old cars, of which a favorite was a "Model A".

Woodworking was a favorite pastime, and he was a collector of 'junk' for various projects. An avid Husker fan, he faithfully followed and attended Husker volleyball games with Carol.

He and Carol spent many happy times going to wineries, bicycling, and enjoying time together with family and friends. In the last couple of years, Mike became an avid puzzle enthusiast.

Those who will cherish Mike's memory include his wife, Carol; daughters and their husbands, Tricia (Michael) Graham of Waterloo and their children, Anderson Graham (Madison Geary) and Joseph Graham and Jamie (Jared) Jensen and their children, Whitney Jensen (Cade Reichardt) and Wyatt Jensen; and four stepsons, Ryan Richards, Reid (Brenda) Richards, Rhett Etherton and Rylee Etherton and his sons, Elijah and Jaxson.

He is also survived by sisters, Sandi (Chuck) Keown, Kathy Phillips, and Peggy Reeve; and many extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Phillips; a sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Steve Painter; and several beloved furbabies.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church of St. Paul.

Online condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.