David R. Phillips

David, 65, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2025, at his home in Naples, FL. He was born on March 20, 1959, in Neenah, WI, and raised in Menasha the son of Leonard and Dorothy (Boylan) Phillips. David graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering and completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix. He worked at several manufacturing companies, most notably working for Harley Davidson, which reflected his love of motorcycle riding. David served 30 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. As a military mustang, he entered the military as an enlisted member and retired as a commissioned officer at the rank of LT Colonel. David loved the military. He was an “amazing friend and mentor” to all the Airmen who served him and who expressed their “appreciation for his fair and passionate leadership”. David continued his public service after he retired by serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department. His passions included scuba diving, hunting with his brothers and golf. In fact, you could find him on the golf course earlier on the day of his passing. His greatest passion was the love he had for his wife, his daughter and four granddaughters. Papa would do anything for his little girls. They were his world.

David is survived by his wife Melanie Camp; his mother Dorothy Phillips; his daughter Nicole Alexander (Clay) and his stepson Nathan Bannenberg; his grandchildren Rylee Watters, Adelenya Bannenberg, Millah Bannenberg, and Ellie Alexander; his siblings Barbara Watters (George), Daniel Phillips (Lisa), Judith Phillips, Paul Phillips (Tammy) and Dale Phillips (Jennifer); and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1-3pm, January 21, 2025, at Jansen Fargo Funeral Home, 204 E. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly, WI. A Memorial Service and Interment will be held at 10am, January 24, 2025, at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Waupaca, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Folds of Honor or the veteran organization of your choice.

AIM HIGH, FLY-FIGHT-WIN 

(US Air Force Motto)