Donald D. Phillippi, 77, of Elwood, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.
He was born October 27, 1934, at Lexington, Nebraska to Leslie I. and Esther L. (Passage) Phillippi.
Don was a 1952 graduate of Lexington High School. He proudly served his Country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, serving in Germany. He then returned home and married Dorothy L. “Dottie” Wolfe on December 11, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Phillip (who died as an infant), Nick and Brenda.
Don’s working years were spent farming, working for Cornland Dressed Beef, in Lexington and in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He then owned and operated The Reverie Campground and Fishing Lodge at Elwood Reservoir for many years, retiring in 1999.
Don enjoyed life, he loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around to tease and teach them the fine art of fishing! Don gave to others in kindness and without expectation and many times their home had “guests”. He was an ornery cuss who could tell a good story to anyone who would listen. To say Don had a great sense of humor is an understatement, as he was teasing the nurses up to his last day on this earth. Don will be greatly missed.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington and a strong Christian man.
Survivors include his wife of almost 55 years: Dorothy “Dottie” Phillippi of Elwood, Nebraska
Son: Nick and wife Tanna Phillippi of Andover, Kansas
Daughter: Brenda and husband David Marzolf of Madison, Nebraska
Two brothers: Boyd and wife Joan Phillippi of Lexington, Nebraska
Robert and wife Bev Phillippi of Johnson Lake, Nebraska
Two sisters: Janice Gulden of Lexington, Nebraska
Veronica and husband Darrell Lavene of Bertrand, Nebraska
Six grandchildren: Jacob and wife Jill Marzolf of Kearney, Nebraska; Ginnifer and husband Jason Murray of Bellevue, Nebraska; Nichole Marzolf of Madison, Nebraska; Trevor and wife Heather Phillippi of Wichita, Kansas; Tori Phillippi of Wichita, Kansas and Taylor Phillippi of Andover, Kansas
Seven great-grandchildren: Donminick, Lachlan, Broxtynn, Skylur, Ivy, Cruzynn and Annie, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, Phillip; Sister-in-law, Sharon Phillippi and Brother-in-law, Daryn Gulden.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Craig Whitson officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington, Nebraska.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 23, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Boys Town or the Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
