John Anthony Phillips, age 29, of Green Bay, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.
Born on June 20, 1989 in Escanaba, MI, he is the son of John Edward Phillips and Lonita Renee (Waltanen) VanDrisse. He graduated from Shawano High School in 2007. He was currently working at Bay Industries as a welder and fabricator. He truly enjoyed welding and was very proud to work with a good crew. John was easy to talk to and had been a social butterfly since birth. Calling John charismatic would be an understatement; he had a passion for life that was easily recognizable by all who met him. He had many talents and always put 110% of himself into everything he did. Music pulsed through John’s soul and he loved expressing himself through the strings of his guitars. In 2010, he won a talent competition and was crowned “The Real Guitar Hero” after smoking the competition and amazing the judges. He also received a 1st at state level solo & ensemble, playing the sitar. He was such a free spirit who enjoyed riding his motorcycle, jamming with his friends, and camping. John was a dedicated father and loved spending time with his two children, Aurora and Lucas.
John is survived by: his children, Aurora and Lucas; parents, Lonita (Rick) VanDrisse and John (Dawn) Phillips; brothers and sisters, Lorinda Geiger, Beth (Jesse) Frank, Steven Phillips, Alexander Harbath, Christina VanDrisse, Ryan (Alyssa) VanDrisse, and Fawna VanDrisse; and grandparents, Alden Virenius, Allen Waltanen, Paul Phillips, and Ronald VanDrisse. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, including special cousin Allie Virenius. He was preceded in death by: grandmothers, Dianne Virenius, Virginia “Kay” Phillips, and Judy VanDrisse; and uncles, Steven Waltanen and Gary Phillips.
A memorial service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Family of Christ Church in Clintonville with Pastor Richard Vanman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please take time when remembering John to spend quality time with your kids, give them extra hugs, and squeeze them a little tighter. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com