Philip P. Lohr

Philip “Pahil” Lohr, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was born to Dorothy and Carroll (Pete) Lohr in Sheboygan, Wisconsin spending his early years in Kiel. In 1961 the family moved to the west side of Madison.

“Fairway Phil” was an avid golfer. While at Madison Memorial High School, Class of 1972, he helped the golf team win the state championship. A graduate of UW Madison he lettered in golf.

In 1984, Phil married his first wife, Mary Williams (Lohr). Together, they welcomed two children, Ellyn (affectionately known as "the princess") and Peter ("the little guy"). The family created countless cherished memories, including vacations to Florida, where they visited Disney World. In 1995 They also embarked on an adventurous three-week road trip to Arizona in their family Suburban, affectionately called "Big Blue," which included memorable moments like running out of gas in Altoona, Iowa, and staying at a less-than-ideal hotel in Dodge City, Kansas, where Phil humorously remarked, “Let’s get the hell out of Dodge.”

Phil worked at FedEx for over 30 years where he made many lifelong friends.

Phil shared a special bond with his father through their mutual love of golf, often attending U.S. Open events together. He was also a big fan of Las Vegas, where he loved spending time with friends and family, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at the renowned Hogs and Heifers, as well as indulging in memorable nights filled with PBRs, dollar Heinekens, blackjack, video poker, traveling with the Vegas Four (friends from FedEx) and golfing at Death Valley.

After the passing of his first wife, Phil reconnected with an old friend over lunch. Their bond reignited, and he married Kathy Reese (Lohr). He loved to tell people that they were married in Vegas by Elvis. The couple cherished their time together, bonding over their love for Wisconsin sports and traveling to places such as Sedona, Washington, D.C., the Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Indianapolis, and most recently, a cruise in New Zealand.

Phil will be remembered for his big heart, kind smile, and infectious sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Williams Lohr; his father, Carroll (Pete) Lohr; his mother, Dorothy (Cramer) Lohr; and his sisters, Linda Garnett and Nancy Kellerhuis.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Reese) Lohr; his children, Ellyn and Peter Lohr; his stepmother, Elaine Lohr; sister Stacy Sorenson; and nieces and nephews Aaron Kellerhuis, Jennifer Dubois, and BJ Hale; and of course his sweet dogs Nugget and Daisy.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local animal rescue/shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 12 at Lake Windsor Country Club from 1-3. A tribute to Phil will start at 1:30.

Cress Funeral Service

3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704

608-249-6666