Ralph William Phillips

Ralph W. Phillips, age 88 of Kimberly, formerly of Clintonville, passed away early Saturday morning, February 28, 2026 at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, WI.

Ralph William Phillips, born April 4, 1937, in Winchester, Wisconsin, was the youngest of nine children born to Julius and Madeline (Theimer) Phillips. He grew up working in his father’s blacksmith and metal fabrication shop in Medina, where he developed the strong work ethic that defined his life.

After graduating from Winneconne High School, Ralph served proudly in the United States Army, spending much of his time in Germany. Upon returning home, he worked as a millwright at Wisconsin Tissue Mills, where he met his first wife, Mary VanDerHyden. Together they had three sons: Mark, Scott, and Jeff.

Ralph later married Mary Fernandez. He completed a Sheet Metal Apprenticeship and became a longtime member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 18, working for many years at Overly’s in Neenah (later Thermo-Electron). He also taught welding at Fox Valley and Green Bay Technical Colleges and served as a counselor for Camp Onaway of the Boys Brigade of Neenah. In retirement, he operated a small fabrication shop from his home in Clintonville.

Ralph and Mary enjoyed traveling the United States by bus and spending time with family.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons Mark (Kelly), Scott, and Jeff; his stepsons Mark and Joe (Michele) Fernandez; his grandchildren Jordan (Miranda), Tayler, Jacob (Andria), Chelsea (CJ), Kendra (Attila), Jonathan, Cassidy, and Marina (Sam) Weyer; and his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. 

Ralph will be remembered for his dedication to his craft, his service to others, and his devotion to family.

Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory South Location, (299 S. Main St. Clintonville, WI 54929), with the Rev. Diana Ziegler officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville.

Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville following the service.
 
Visitation will take place on Friday at the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of service. 

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.