Phillip Tuetken

PHILLIP TUETKEN

Monticello

Phillip Tuetken, 83, died Thursday, June 7, 2018, at his home following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2018, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m Thursday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Pastor Dave Raemisch will officiate at the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Riverside Gardens or the American Cancer Society.

Surviving is his wife, Judy; six children, Doug (Sara), Delhi, Lisa (Michael) Stark, Monticello, Joe (Jayne), Monticello, Bobby (Sherry), Omaha, Neb., Sarah (Vince) Wuebker, Fargo, N.D., and Christopher (Kim Lovan), Cedar Rapids; 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and four more on the way; his sister, Janet (Robert) Sion, Robins; and his brother and sisters-in-law, Roger Hearn, Linda Leonard and Susan (Larry) Duncan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Richard Michael; his sister, Shirley Hearn; a nephew Mark Hearn; and a brother-in-law, Larry Leonard.

Phillip Richard Tuetken was born April 18, 1935, at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Richard F. and Margaret A. Eilers Tuetken. Phil attended the Monticello Schools and graduated from the Clarence High School with the Class of 1953. Phil continued his education at the University of Iowa graduating from the College of Pharmacy in 1958. He was employed by Schlegel's Drug Stores in Davenport. Phil married Judith Ann Shorey on Nov. 22, 1958, at Davenport, Iowa. In 1960, with a group of investors, Phil opened Long Drug in Monticello and in a few short years became the sole owner. In later years he also operated a pharmacy in Wyoming as well as multiple locations in eastern Iowa. Phil retired after 57 years of taking care of his customers that he considered family in 2015.

Phil gave back to the Monticello community by being a Cub Scout leader, a Little League coach, and a member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, the Jaycee's and the Chamber of Commerce. He also was one of the original investors in the Monticello Senior Care Center. He was an active member of the Iowa Pharmaceutical Association. He was a tireless worker on behalf of his customers, but thrived on those personal relationships with his quick wit. Phil enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as taking care of his yard and attending Hawkeye football games in Iowa City and throughout the Midwest. Phil also enjoyed rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs.