Dennis Phillips
September 03, 1942 - September 02, 2025
Obituary
It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Phillips, beloved husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather and friend on September 2, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on September 3rd in Milwaukee Wi., Dennis lived a life enlivened by mathematics, science, chess and an overall sense of wonder at the curiosity of life on this planet. Dennis was an eternal student from his multiple advanced degrees in mathematics and engineering, to his devoted personal study of all subjects any member of his family pursued.
Dennis loved to be outdoors and would bike, walk and hunt for mushrooms whenever he could. He also enjoyed indoor fun as an avid card player and chess champion. Master of the Rubix cube and silly pun creator, Dennis was our go-to person for thoughtful advice and sincere encouragement. He taught us we could get through hard things, by not just surviving but to find grace and joy in all the people, places and experiences we encountered along the way.
When Dennis married Patricia, we all thought we were "rescuing" him. But the reality was he was the missing piece in our family. Patricia was Dennis’ star and moon. His admiration for her shone in his eyes and his devotion was always quick to his lips. Dennis’s love for Patricia is only matched by his pure joy of being a parent and grandparent. He became “Papa Dennis” to us all at that point, and every grandchild knew they were each his favorite as they rode on his shoulders like they were kings and queens.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Patricia Stone; his children, Justin (Heather) Shemanski, and Gennine Castañeda-Butch (Bill) Butch; grandchildren, Brandon (Asya) Shemanski, Jakob Shemanski, Illyanna Castañeda (Travis Lindquist), Tricia Castañeda (Ross Oxenreider) and Logan Castañeda; and siblings, Marilyn (Scott) Tremaine and Jim (Joan) Phillips.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Eugene Phillips.
Dennis will be remembered as a man who always had a smile and words of encouragement ready to share. His gentle and playful spirit will live on in all of those whose lives he touched.
Private family services will be held at Natural Path Sanctuary, Verona.
To view Dennis’ obituary or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
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Memories
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Theresa Lozac'h
Friend •
I always loved Dennis' sense of humor. He had a quick wit and I so loved how he loved making people laugh or confusing you with a riddle. He was generally one of the smartest people in the room but he was always a teacher - trying to help you understand the things playing across his mind. Dennis was a special person - and we are all lucky to have known him.
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Ccsheldon
Friend •
Denis had that wit that warmth. One day while practicing the accordion he said “now that sounds like music” I am a beginner Patricia lovingly coaxes me along …..but Dennis always made me feel I could play!!! He and I shared a love of jigsaw puzzles and traded back and forth. The world was richer for him being in it and Dennis I will carry some of your energy always with me. Your legacy is not carved on a stone but woven into the fabric of the lives you touched. Thank you CC Sheldon
NM
Neb Macura
Friend •
I had the pleasure of conversing with Dennis many times over nearly a decade of friendship with him and Patricia. I will always remember his kindness and his anecdotes about chess and the weather.