SPARTA - Phillip Eugene Foellmi, 86, of Sparta died on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at RBI Care in Sparta. He was born on February 17, 1940, to John and Dora Amelia (Oliver) Foellmi. Phillip was the 11th child to join the family.
Phillip attended East Beaver Creek School for two years and was then homeschooled by his mother. At the age of 12 he became a resident of the Chippewa Falls Training School and resided there until the early 1960’s when laws were passed that facilitated the placement of residents with handicaps closer to their families. Phillip lived in the Tomah and Sparta area for several years. For the last five years of his life, he was a resident of RBI Care in Sparta.
As a child, Phillip built the most amazing contraptions with Tinkertoys and Erector sets. He would include a set of pullies to make machine parts move. During his adult years he enjoyed rug hooking and often gave the completed pieces he’d made to family members as gifts. He also loved to work on puzzles and enjoyed the challenge of word-find books.
While living in the Tomah area, Phillip was employed at Handishop Industries. He was known as one of their fastest employees and worked well into his 70’s. Phillip enjoyed attending WI Badger Camp, an adventure which was the highlight of many of his adult summers.
He enjoyed Foellmi family picnics, watching the Packers, and spending many Christmas holidays with his sisters and brothers and their families. Phillip loved his own birthday parties. His favorite place to celebrate was McDonald’s where his choice of birthday treats included a burger, fries, and – of course – ice cream! Phillip was most vocal and excited when opening his gifts.
Phillip was a gentle and kind person who was appreciated and loved by all who knew him.
Phillip’s family thanks his caregivers who supported and cared for him throughout his life. Special thanks to Judy and Tim Fuhrmann, Vickie Allen, the RBI staff, the medical staff at Emplify by Gundersen, and the St. Croix Hospice team.
Phillip is survived by his sisters, Ruthie Jerome and Joanie Teasdale, and by many nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceding him in death are his siblings and their spouses: Arlene “Pinky” (Don) Isensee, Albert (Florence) Foellmi, Frances Muller, Gladys (Lloyd) Niedfeldt, Norman (Lorraine) Foellmi, Donald (Barbara) Foellmi, Gertie (Bernie) Suhr, infant sister Rosemary, and brothers-in-law Roger Jerome and Howard “Boots” Teasdale.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, prior to the memorial service. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
