Philip Remrey

Philip E. Remrey, age 79, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in Philip’s memory.
Philip was born on March 20, 1937, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Mark and Marcella “Sally” (Frank) Remrey. He attended Mt. Carroll High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. Philip was known on the basketball court to his teammates as “Lightning.” On May 3, 1959, he married Ellen JoAnn Barr in Savanna. They were married for 49 years before Ellen’s death in 2008.
Philip was employed as a forklift driver at International Paper in Clinton for 30 years before retiring in 1999. At work, he was affectionately known as “Hammer.” He will be remembered as always being kind and friendly man who loved talking and visiting with his friends. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball and was an avid sports fan, rooting on the Cubs, Bears, and local West Carroll sports teams. Most of all, Philip enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. His children will remember his famous saying, “Let’s take two, boys.”
Philip will be missed by his four children, Deb Todd of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, David (Marla) Remrey of St. Charles, Illinois, Randy (Carol) Remrey of Mt. Carroll, and Doug (Christine) Remrey of Sugar Grove, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Steve Bearsely, Jessica Todd, Andrea (Nathan) Doggett, Kelsey Todd, Shawn, Jacob, and Scott Remrey; three great-grandchildren, Ashton, Mason, and Gianna; and two brothers, Boyd (RuthAnn) Remrey of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, and Dennis (Carly) Remrey of Clinton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, in 2008; both parents; and a brother, Stanley.