Thomas "Tom" E. Phillip

Thomas E. Phillip of Neenah passed away on Friday night, October 31, 2025, at home in the arms of his cherished children. He was 54.

Tom was born on August 16, 1971 in Manitowoc, spent his early childhood in Maple Grove, and grew up on a dairy farm in Rantoul, Calumet County. His early experiences inspired Tom’s reverence for nature and commitment to quiet service.

From a young age, Tom was a mechanically gifted, deeply principled, curious critical thinker. A graduate of Chilton High School, Tom went on to earn an associate’s degree in mechanical design from Fox Valley Technical College. He brought integrity and exacting standards to his work, rising to lead engineering roles at Ariens Corporation in Brillion, where he served with distinction until 2023.

Tom was a person of integrity, conscience, and quiet strength. He believed in the dignity of every person, advocated for the vulnerable, and did right by others for good’s own sake. His respect for nature and people was plain in the way he lived: he built and repaired with his hands, volunteered in conservation efforts, lived simply, and found joy in deep conversation and the exchange of ideas.

Tom is lovingly survived by his children, Austin Phillip and Lydia (Colton) Isajiw, whose happiness was his heart’s desire; his parents, Thomas and Susan (Schmidt) Phillip; his siblings, Monique (A. Michael) Mader, Cynthia Jo Phillip, Jill (Derrick) Basler, and Matthew (Katie) Phillip; and a family who will carry forward Tom’s quiet compassion, wit, and love.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Pielhop Funeral Home in Brillion from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Remembrance Service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Pielhop Funeral Home in Brillion.

Online condolences may be made: www.pielhop.com

The Phillip family extends deep gratitude to the teams at Moments Hospice, Aurora BayCare Medical Center, and Aurora Medical Center–Oshkosh for their attentive care. A special thank-you is reserved for his sister Jill, whose steadfast nursing care from Tom’s diagnosis through his final moments was a peerless act of devotion to her brother.