Michael Phillips

Michael William Phillips (B 11/30/62) passed away just before midnight on September 28th (9/28/25). Husband for 39 years to Tracey S. Phillips. Loving father to Erika Phillips Miller and Dylan Alexander Phillips. Proud Papa to Hanna Thrace Miller and Ellara Lace Miller.

On July 20th this year, we discovered a large pituitary tumor after several health symptoms presented. The benign tumor had probably been growing for many years and at the time of discovery, this new knowledge helped put many of Mike's health issues into perspective. It also put us on a fast track to many doctor appointments and hormone treatment.

Mike's symptoms worsened quickly over the month of August. Eventually we cancelled a 10 day trip to New Orleans and scheduled a craniotomy. Two surgeries and two more procedures couldn’t save him. The tumor pressed deeply into his brainstem.

Mike worked at the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant in Golden, Colorado for 15 years. When we moved to Wisconsin, he became a home builder, constructing more than 35 homes in the Madison area for 20 years. He was a loving father and would do anything to help make his family’s lives easier. He took his mother out for lunch weekly and checked on her often. With his wife Tracey, he was a true romantic. He was the kind of guy who would catch the spider for you and let it out of the house. Mike was kind, gentle loving, and never spoke hurtful words of anyone. He was an all-around good man.

Mike is survived by his wife Tracey, children Erika and Dylan, grandchildren Hanna and Ellara. Also survived by his mother Susan Mae Phillips, brother Jay Phillips and his sister Jeannie Kehoss, nieces Ashley and Chelsey, Makenna and Makayla. He is preceded in death by his dad, Bud Phillips.

We are grateful for the supportive team at the St. Mary's ICU and the SSM Neurosurgery team. Their kindness and diligence helped us navigate the difficulties of chronic disease. Many thanks go out to friends and family for sending food and their love.

Words cannot express sorrow at the suddenness of his loss. The 2 months since finding the tumor have been extremely hard on the family. Well wishes are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at 3pm on his birthday, 11/30/25 at Ruth’s Chris steak house in Middleton, Wisconsin.