Robert Eugene Phegley's Obituary
MT. PLEASANT – Robert Eugene Phegley, 85, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Robert was born to the late Erville and Helen Phegley on January 7, 1930 in Shelbyville, Illinois. Having lost his parents at an early age, he was raised by his grandparents, Samuel and Stella Phegley.
Robert was united in marriage to Carol Van Eimeren on June 29, 1957 at St. Rita’s Parish in Racine. Robert was the franchise sales distributor for Stella D’oro Biscuit Co, Inc. for nearly thirty years. Prior to that, he worked for Massey Harris and Wonder Bread. During retirement, he worked part time for both Johnson Park and the Racine Country Club for over twenty years. He served as a member of the U.S. Army from 1951-53.
Robert was a member at St. Rita’s Parish for nearly sixty years. He was an avid golfer, having coached the golf team at St. Catherine’s High School for several years. An all-around athlete, he also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, tennis and pool.
Surviving are his wife: Carol (Van Eimeren) Phegley; son: Michael Phegley; daughter: Cynthia (Mike) Miller; brother: Erville Phegley; sister-in-law: LueAnn Van Eimeren and her daughters, Debbie Flaminio and Vic Sotka; and his beloved boxer: Abby.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; parents-in-law: John and Esther Van Eimeren; and brother-in-law: John Van Eimeren.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Rita’s Parish on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM with the service to follow. Interment will take place the following day, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at 10:00 AM at Calvary/Old Holy Cross Cemetery, 2530 Kinzie Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed in Robert’s name to St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. Condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralhomeracine.com
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his friends Ron Hart, Dan Milne, Emily and Levi Luck, Kevin and Lisa Knaust, and Selena Tran for their care and compassion during the past two years.
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