Philip Mark Reisetter
REISETTER, GOETZMAN, LEWIS-BLACK, LARSON, ERICKSON
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/10/2025 at 09:19:13
Philip Mark Reisetter, 80, of Iowa City, passed away on October 23, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, surrounded by family, following complications from heart disease and COPD.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Phil’s life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Emma Goldman Clinic online at https://emmagoldman.com/ or by mail to 227 N. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52245.
Phil was born on April 25, 1944, in Story City, Iowa, to Francis H. and Myrna C. Reisetter. He grew up in Jewell, Iowa—a small town that shaped his early years but never confined his ambition. Even as a young boy, Phil exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit, running a shoe shine stand in a local barber shop, where he honed his independence and problem-solving skills. He also worked at a mink ranch in Jewell, a job that reinforced his strong work ethic. Known for his sharp wit, Phil played the French horn in school and was a class clown who could always make others laugh.
Phil’s interest in law took root in high school when he served as a page at the Iowa State Capitol during his junior year. Living in Des Moines with family friends while continuing his studies in Jewell, he developed a passion for governance and the legal system. Before embarking on his legal career, Phil satisfied a different curiosity—travel. In the summer of 1962, he hitchhiked across Europe, exploring England, France, Spain, Germany, and Scandinavia, even seeking out his Norwegian ancestral home. This journey sparked a lifelong love of travel, which took him to many corners of the globe.
Phil attended the University of Iowa from 1962 to 1967, earning a B.A. in Journalism with honors. He participated in AIESEC, spent time as an exchange student in Aarhus, Denmark, and worked as a writer and photographer for The Daily Iowan. His adventurous spirit led him to Madrid in 1965, where he taught English and further cultivated his love of international experiences. Phil earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1970, then clerked for Dean Mason Ladd and Hon. Robert Larson of the Iowa Supreme Court.
Phil’s legal career was both distinguished and unconventional. After law school, he worked in Vietnam as a non-military defense attorney for U.S. soldiers in JAG courts. His time in Vietnam was transformative, full of memorable stories he loved to share—such as being mugged by a courteous thief in Saigon who left him just enough money for a rickshaw home, or living with a resident python that helped keep the rodent population in check.
Returning to Iowa City, Phil established his own general practice, focusing on wills, estates, estate planning, and business law. He also handled criminal defense cases, particularly in his early years. Phil served as general counsel for Prelude Behavioral Services (formerly Mecca) from 2009 to 2020 and taught Basic Banking Law at Kirkwood Community College. His dedication to his clients and community spanned more than five decades.
Phil was a creature of habit, a quality that became especially evident in his daily routines. While working as an attorney in Iowa City, he had lunch at Mickey’s every day, ordering the same sandwich so reliably that the staff eventually added it to the menu as "The Filler (Phil R.)," a quiet tribute to his enduring presence and charm.
Phil was a man of strong convictions and a few vices. After returning from Vietnam, he joined AA and gave up drinking, often supporting new members by accompanying them to meetings. Phil also eventually gave up his beloved unfiltered Camel cigarettes.
In Iowa City, Phil met his wife, Karen Reisetter (née Goetzman), with whom he shared a love of travel, good food, and films. They married in 1981 and spent 38 years together until Karen’s passing in 2020. They welcomed their daughter, Anna Reisetter, in 1987, and Phil passed on to her his love of adventure, with family trips to Central America, Mexico, Europe, and Greece.
Sailing was another of Phil's passions. His sailing buddies describe him as a fine sailor and good company on the high seas, where he let his compulsive habits hang out, such as nicotine patches and endless junk food.
Phil is survived by his daughter, Anna Reisetter (Colin Lewis-Beck) of San Francisco, CA; his brother, Linn F. Reisetter (Mary Ann Reisetter) of Newton, IA; his nieces, Rachelle Larson (Phil Larson) and Christine Reisetter, both of Iowa City; his nephew, Matthew Reisetter (Sarah Reisetter) of Norwalk, IA; and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Reisetter, and his parents, Francis (Sam) and Myrna Reisetter (née Erickson).
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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