Michael J. Phillips

Michael J. Phillips, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by love on Friday, August 22, 2025. Michael was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 27, 1946 as the only son of the late Paul and Ethel (nee: Colin) Phillips. Michael was the center of their world.

From 1947 to 1975, Michael resided in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his parents who loved him dearly. Michael went on to graduate from the University of Michigan and was a proud Michigan Wolverine alumni often staging University of Michigan memorabilia in his home. Michael started his career as a Juvenile Court Probation Officer in Kent County, Michigan where he was held in high regard for his assistance to those struggling with mental and substance abuse issues. Michael was recognized in that position to continuously go above and beyond his work duties to aid those in need. This simple concept transitioned into his other forms of employment such as his time as a Social Worker and Placement Coordinator for San Diego Youth & Community Services in San Diego, California in the later part of 1975. Toward the end of his career, he was employed with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare All Saints in Racine, Wisconsin in their Adult Inpatient Unit for Mental Health and Addict Care where his strength was helping the most vulnerable in need.

Michael was very fond and often reminisced on his time spent in the great State of California where he visited beautiful beach fronts and mountainous terrain. Michael was a huge movie buff who had countless recommendations for the best go to productions. Michael also was not without his deep admiration of music. He possessed an extensive collection of smooth jazz and R&B records. He never failed to remind you that it was indeed “smooth” jazz that he adored. Michael was proud of his Creole decent and was known to gate keep his mother Ethel’s file gumbo recipe. Only those he deemed worthy were given a sneak peek into what went into that dish. Michael was also known to appreciate a good meal, having no problem telling the cook, “you really put your foot into that one.” He often would accompany his neighbors in their back yard for a grilled pork chop or loved to share an order of his favorite Chinese dish from Main Moon 2. The sharing of a meal was more than just eating, but the idea of gratitude and love.

Michael will be remembered for his fondness of the holidays, specifically his favorites such as Christmas and Halloween. Michael was a man of simple living, only needing the minimum of what it was he considered to having a comfortable life. Michael took very good care of the things he valued most and that included his parents, his co-workers and his neighbors who became his chosen family. He will be remembered for his laugh and his ability to let most things “roll off his back.”

Michael had resided in Racine, Wisconsin since 1994 when he returned with honor to take care of his mother Ethel and aunt Bea. He will be remembered for his kind and nurturing ways, his love for his dogs, Rikki and Tuck, and as a good friend and neighbor.

Michael is survived by his cousins Richard Carter, Janet Carter, Jeffrey Crocket, Cathy Colin, Toni Gee and Lisa (Perry) Lee.

Michael’s neighbors David & Lindsay Reget would like to give a special thank you to the literal angels of Compassus Hospice of Mt. Pleasant: Madison, Vesna, Angie, Hailey, Emily, Ruth, Stephanie and Abby who took top tier care of Michael in his final days. In addition, a special thank you to Home Helpers of Burlington, Wisconsin: Krystal and Jennifer for their diligent care of Michael, which allowed him to pass on with dignity in his home.

There will be visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Michael’s Life service to start at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for communal prayers and goodbyes. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make contributions to Macular Degeneration Research or St. Labre Indian School, in Michael’s honor.