Philip S. "Phil" Lippens

KEWANEE – Philip S. “Phil” Lippens, 67, of Kewanee, died Sunday, October 6, 2019 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 11 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. Celebrant will be Fr. Johndamaseni Zilimu. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:45 a.m., Friday at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Visitation School, Saint John Paul II Parish or to the family for a memorial to be established.

He was born December 10, 1951 in Kewanee, the son of Homer and Helen (Zumber) Lippens. Phil graduated from Kewanee High School with the class of 1970 and went on to graduate from Black Hawk East. Survivors include his three brothers; Tom (Norine “Sis”) Lippens, Paul Lippens and Joe Lippens, all of Kewanee,  four nieces; Laura Lippens, Angie (Brad) Pronschinske, Autumn (Zach) Padilla and Rachel (Dustin DeReu) Lippens, three nephews; Paul Jr. (Danielle) Lippens, Brian (Kami) Lippens and Jason (Ashley Smith) Lippens, his great nephews; Blake Lippens, Michael Shaw, Kellan DeReu and Carter and Noah Lippens, his great nieces; Mia Padilla, Lia Lippens, Macey Lippens and Klaire DeReu, his aunt, Marilyn Zumber and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Phil attended all of the family gatherings, enjoying most, being the fun uncle, who played tricks with the young ones with his gift giving. He had many “Best Friends” too many to mention and he loved his neighbors and enjoyed spending time with them and they thought very highly of him. Phil enjoyed his step-niece and nephews; Ashley, Daniel, Austin and Aaron and loved his morning coffee with friends. Phil last worked at Advanced Metal before retiring. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and trapping. He was very proud to be the inventor of the “Cat Fish Worm Dryer” He loved selling his garden produce at the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and was an avid fan of the Chicago Black Hawks, Bears and Cubs.

Phil was most proud to be a member of Saint John Paul II Parish, where he was an usher for early Mass every Sunday. He believed in God and liked to talk about his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil was known for his open opinions and his hand gestures while talking. He was very kind and thoughtful to others and will truly be missed by many. Although his death came too soon, his family knows he is at peace and will remember him with all the memories that have made them smile and laugh. Peace be with you Phil and God Bless You.

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