Phillip Cook, age 74 of Coloma, WI passed away with his wife by his side, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at UW Madison Hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Phil was born March 8, 1947, in Waukesha, WI to Lorna (Rhodes) and Burnell Cook. He was a 1965 graduate of Hartford High School. Phil was then drafted into the US army during the Vietnam war.
Phil was united in marriage to Karen Gee on July 15, 1995, in Hartford, WI. They were married for 26 years before his passing. Together, they made their home in Coloma.
Phil loved being outdoors, riding his Goldwing and his passion was racing. Phil and Karen traveled, first on a Goldwing, and then in a 5th wheel. Traveling to races was always a family affair.
His chosen career was trucking, retiring from Fairway in Pewaukee in 2012. After retiring, he worked part-time for Bula Gieringer Farms, Coloma.
Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, and four children: Stephen (Laura) Smilko, Angela (Brett) Berger, William (Danielle Peterson) Smilko, and Jennifer Cook.
He loved being Grandpa, Papa Phil, and just plain Gramps to his grandchildren: Mikayla (Kaeden Strawmier) Smilko, Michael Smilko, Morgan Smilko, Will Smilko, Sydney Berger, and twins London and Savannah Berger.
He is survived by his 2 sisters and their families: Debbie (Gary) Morgenstern, and Sally (Mike) Schirmer.
He is further survived by brother-in-law and racing buddy, Mike (DeAnn) Gee, sisters-in-law, Mary (David) Lofy & Cheryl (Ralph) Wiedmeyer, and brother-in-law Mark (Chris) Gee. He will be remembered by his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He is missed by his 4-legged, furry, much-loved companion, Mack.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Burnell and Lorna Cook.
The family is grateful to The Cancer Center in Wisconsin Rapids for the care, compassion, love and support you extended to Phil and Karen during treatment. Phil appreciated his warriors!
A memorial service in his honor will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 main St, Friendship, WI from 11am to 1pm with military honors.
My thoughts and prayers are with Phillip’s whole family, especially his sister Debbie. We spent time driving up north to their place with Debbie and I sitting in the back seat, while Phil drove. Every time there was a song on the radio we liked, he changed the station! Spent days at their home on Cedar Street in Hartford, making Mexican Wedding Cake cookies and sleeping over with Debbie. We knew Burnell who was our Culligan man!! And I remember Phil’s mom Lorna playing the piano. ❤
Jen and Angie and family, so very sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs to both of you.
🙏 Cyndi
Karen and family. Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for your loss of Phil. May you find comfort knowing others care. Sending you hugs my friend.
Angie and Jenni, we are sending condolences to both of you and your family.
Karen and all of Phil,s family, We aer so sorry for your loss.Remembering him with all the great times we had in high school and after , You have our deepest sympathy,
Sorry for your loss Karen and your family. He was a great man, and he will be missed.
So sorry for your loss Karen and family! He was a good friend. Brian Bacon
Angie and Jenny you have our condolences and love for both of you. Love ❤️
Dear Karen and all of Phil’s family, We are sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept our love and deepest sympathy in this sad time. It always felt good to know Karen and Phil found each other and shared so many happy years of love and family.
So sorry for your loss always had a good time with him and Karen in the Goldwing riders group
Our heartfelt condolences Karen and family. We lift you up in prayer for comfort in this sad time of mourning. Phil was truly blessed to have such a strong, supportive and loving wife and family. Carolyn and Al
Jenni and Angie, we are saddened to hear about your father.
Deepest sympathy to you and the entire family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
John Ritger & Laura Hamm
Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I hope Will and the rest of the grandkids will hug you tight and keep you smiling through your tears. Peace to all who loved Phil.