BREMEN - Arnold “Arnie” Max Phillips, 93, of Bremen, passed away at 8:33 am, Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Signature Health Care of Bremen. Arnie was born on October 2, 1924 in Marshall Co., IN, the son of Wilbur and Bessie (Armentrout) Phillips. On November 23, 2002, he married Shirley (Flowers) Kizer. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; three children, Shirley Wynn of Springfield, MO, Becky Koontz of Greenville, OH, and Steve (Jan) Phillips of Mitchell, IN; stepchildren, Don (Marge) Van Gilder of Chelsea, MI, Dick Van Gilder of Lansing, MI, Larry Van Gilder of Ft. Wayne, Christy Ciula of Mishawaka, Michelle Marks of Pendleton, IN, and Jon (Robbyn) Kizer of Carmel, IN, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, and three step-great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Flossie (Van Gilder) Phillips; son, David Phillips; sisters, Helen Johnson, Ruth Roush, and Opal Gardner; and brothers, Wendell and Ralph Phillips. As a youngster, Arnie worked on farms driving the hay wagons. Later, he worked for Stanly Hennon delivering coal in the winter and roofing in the summer. He also worked at McCord Radiator, Schlosser Ice Cream, and 32 years at the Bremen Foundry. After retirement, he worked for 13 years at Bremen Super Wash. He always believed in giving an honest day's work. Arnie loved working outside in his vegetable garden and mowing the yard. He was a big I.U. and Duke basketball fan and enjoyed watching NBA games. For many years, he and Shirley traveled with American Dream Tours, making new friends and memories in all the beautiful places they visited. He felt blessed to have his family and good health to work for so many years. He attended Bremen Missionary Church and was so thankful to God for all his blessings. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00 pm, Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in Bremen Missionary Church, 2958 Elm Road, Bremen. Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 pm in the church with Rev. Brad Thornton officiating. Private burial will take place in Bremen Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Rosentrater and Signature Health Care of Bremen, and its caring staff. God bless you all. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Harbor Light Hospice, 1820 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Apr. 29, 2018