Michael A. Phillips

Michael “Mike” Phillips, 58, of Crystal Falls Township, MI went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 29, 2016. He was born September 6, 1957 in Oak Park, IL son of the late Jack and Ester (Ketola) Phillips. Mike grew up in Crystal Falls Township, MI. He helped his father, Jack, in the early 70’s to build most of the foundations around Fire Lake. He lettered in Track & Field and Cross Country 5 times while attending high school at Forest Park before graduating in 1975. Mike served his country in the U. S. Army and spent 2 years in Germany where he worked as a Fixed Stationed Tech Controller. After leaving the Army, he attended Ferris State University and earned an Associate Degree in Computerized Numerical Control. He moved to West Michigan, where he worked at H.S.Die & Engineering for 27 years as a CNC Supervisor. It was here he met his future wife and the mother of his 3 children, Lisa VanHouten. He resided with his wife and 3 children in Allendale, MI for many years. Mike was active in both golf and bowling, and won numerous titles in the Amateurs Bowling Tour & the Michigan Bowlers Tour. He loved to hunt, trap and walk the woods. He retired and moved back to the Hardwoods (Crystal Falls Township), where he felt most at home. Mike spent the past few years working on his ‘Hardwoods House’ and was so proud of all of the work he had done. Mike had a quirky sense of humor, which he lovingly passed down to his children. Although he went through many trials during his life, he had a heart for others and a desire to help those in need. He is deeply loved by his family and will be incredibly missed. He is survived by his three children, Craig (Jessica) Phillips of Conklin, MI and their children, Jack and Charlie (He was so proud to be a Grandpa), Kaci Phillips (Andrew Malady) of Phoenix, AZ, and Nicholas (Lindsey) Phillips of Milford, MI; and their mother, Lisa Phillips of Allendale, MI; two sisters, LuAnn Phillips and Kathi Phillips, both of Crystal Falls Township, MI. He was also survived by many loved nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ester Phillips, and by his beloved brother, Ken Phillips. Friends may call from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at the Nash Funeral Home. Rev. Micheal Laakko will officiate. Luncheon to follow at Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa. Condolences to the family of Mike Phillips may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.com

Michael A. Phillips

September 6, 1957 - April 29, 2016