Phillips, Charles 'Chuck'

Charles “Chuck” Phillips, 68, of Coralville, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, surrounded by his family at home per his wishes, from complications of diabetes. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa City. 

Chuck was born Dec. 20, 1942, in Iowa City, the son of Charles and Helen (McMahon) Phillips. He attended Union Township School and was a 1961 graduate of Iowa City High School. He also attended the University of Iowa. He married his high school sweetheart on Sept. 1, 1962.

He worked for Breese's Napa Auto Parts in Iowa City for 29 years, followed by Barron Motor Supply of Iowa City for the next 12 years until ill health forced him to retire in 2005.

Chuck is survived by his deeply-loved wife, Jill, without whose loving care his life would have been much diminished; his two sons, Bill (Beth) Phillips, and their children, Nick and Jake, and Chris (Angela) Phillips, and their children, Christopher and Jazmin and two stepgreat-grandchildren, all of Iowa City; one brother-in-law, Matt Fox of Muscatine; one uncle, Charles Skubal of Iowa City; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Margaret Barry; and his sister-in-law, Rita Fox.

Chuck will be remembered as a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and friend. He was blessed with a keen sense of humor and zest for living life each day as an adventure. His bravery in the face of many medical challenges was an inspiration to everyone. He evoked the best of the human spirit, making all those around him the better for it. He was a movie enthusiast and an avid reader, especially non-fiction. He loved to travel, having seen 49 states and cruised to several foreign countries. He enjoyed a good game of poker and a visit to any casino.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul James for his unbelievable compassion, medical knowledge and guidance throughout this journey. We would also like to thank the staff at the UI Family Practice Center for their kindness and support. Additionally we are grateful for Dr. Tim Thomsen's expertise and presence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iowa City Hospice or the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at under obituaries.