DePhillips, Michael J. 1925-2012

DEPHILLIPS, BELL, TOWERS, BEAN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 6/3/2018 at 16:50:10

Michael DePhillips
Des Moines
1925-2012

Michael J. DePhillips passed away Wednesday morning, February 22, 2012, at Kavanagh House after a long illness. He was surrounded by family and friends who had maintained a steadfast and loving vigil at his side. He was 87 years old.

Mike DePhillips was born into an Italian immigrant family. As the oldest of eight siblings born to Frank and Jennie DePhillips, Mike, who always lived in Des Moines, grew up being the one the family always turned to for support, guidance and encouragement.

After graduating from East High School, Mike enlisted in the armed services during World War Two. He served proudly with the United States Expeditionary Forces that landed on the shores of France and fought through Belgium to victory in Germany in what later was to be known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Upon returning to the States after the War, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Theresa Pauline Bell. Together they raised six children who survive him. His love of family was matched by his boundless energy, his generosity and friendship. Always an entrepreneur, he built a reputation as a well known owner and proprietor of several local restaurants, including the Prime Rib and the Onion Ring, and then as an award-winning homebuilding contractor and real estate developer.

Theresa, the love of his life, passed away eight years ago. They were inseparable for fifty-eight years of marriage and her passing left a big hole in his life. But Mike carried on and, though courageously fighting cancer, he continued to care daily for Jimmy, his youngest son, whose life was lifted by Mike's constant devotion and many sacrifices.

To know Mike DePhillips was to love him. Family and friends who gathered to be near Mike in his final struggle always recalled his magnetic personality, his warmth and his great sense of humor. He always had a nice word to say to you and always blessed you with a smile or an encouraging word. His attitude of giving and grace lives on in his family. He will be always revered as the Patriarch and Father.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Judy Towers (Dan) of West Des Moines, Diane (Mike Bean) of Clive, and Jan of Windsor Heights; his sons, Michael Jr.(Jean) of West Des Moines, Perry(Laura) of Urbandale and James of West Des Moines; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Jo Anne; brothers, Nick and Leonard; and many nieces and nephews.

On Sunday, February 26 at St. Theresa's Church at Merle Hay Road and University Ave. there will be a visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa's Church on Monday, February 27 at 10 a.m.

The family expresses thanks for the special and loving care Mike received from Dr. Brad Lair and Julie Schuck, ARNP. Memorials may be made to St. Theresa's and to Hospice of Central Iowa/Kavanagh House. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Sun 26 Feb 2012.