Phillip Wilms

Phillip A. Wilms, 92, passed away peacefully in Spring, Texas on the evening of February 1, 2024. Phillip was born on December 16, 1931 and was the 5^th of eight children born to Forrest and Lavina Wilms of Neenah, Wisconsin. He grew up on a farm known as “the 40” and as a youngster he was active in church and 4H Club and was awarded many medals for the jersey cows he showed. He graduated in 1950 from Neenah High School. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served on the USS Bennington as a radio operator during the Korean war.

Following his military service he attended college and received a Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Oshkosh and a Master’s in Education from Winona State University. He worked in several Wisconsin school systems throughout his career, eventually spending many years as a school administrator in the Sun Prairie School District until his retirement in 1990.

He married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Albert, in 1954 and together had three children; Daniel, Susan, and Edward.

Among his many talents, Phil was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, avid gardener, and beekeeper. He could propagate and grow anything and was known for his large garden and many fruit trees. He delighted in supplying his family, friends, and the local food pantry with fresh produce, and of course fresh honey. He was an avid outdoor sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing in the canoes he built himself. In his spare time, he turned his hand to many varied interests such as building a harpsichord, oil painting, wood carving, furniture repair and even learning to fly.

Phillip was a member of the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church for more than 50 years.

He is survived by his children Daniel (Anne), Susan (Larry) Hogue, Edward (Wenonah); grandchildren Jennifer (Steve) Garner, Emily Wilms, Cooper Wilms, Macalaster Wilms, Benjamin Wilms; two great grandchildren Scarlett Garner and Susannah Garner; his brother Samuel Wilms and sister Kathleen Eger. He was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia; parents Forrest and Lavina Wilms; brothers Sheldon, William, Wallace, and sisters E. Joyce Reid and Elaine Sorenson.

A memorial service is being planned for a future date.