Obituary
Harvey P. Phillips
Harvey “Paul” Phillips, 80, of La Crosse, passed away surrounded by his family on September 4, 2022 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.
Paul was born on June 28, 1942 in Harrisville, West Virginia to Harvey and Agatha (Fox) Phillips. He graduated from Ellet High School in Akron Ohio and served in the Ohio National Guard. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy where he served as a corpsman.
He received a BA from Winona State University and furthered his studies in chemistry and physics at Akron University. Later he earned a BS degree in Environmental Studies from Chadwick University.
On August 15, 1964 Paul married the love of his life, Carole Schneider in Akron, Ohio. He worked at Goodyear Rubber Co. and several other rubber industries before moving to La Crosse in 1973 where he was employed at LaCrosse Footwear as chief chemist for 28 years.
Along with Carole, Paul was instrumental in building the first shelter for the Coulee Region Humane Society in La Crosse. He served as the president of their board and was an avid supporter of the organization for the remainder of his life. His love of dogs started with Lucky, a cocker spaniel puppy he got when he was 12. It was rare to see Paul without a dog on his lap and a book in his hands.
Paul had many interests outside of work including bicycles and books. Anybody who was an active bike rider in La Crosse would probably remember the bicycle repair shop he ran out of his basement called Paul’s Bike Shop in their Main Street home.
Paul was a passionate bibliophile and had a particular love of mysteries, poetry and history. His love of books led to the creation of his own online book business where he bought and sold used books.
Paul also enjoyed watching the Packers and Badgers as well as golf with his son-in-law Bill.
Paul is survived by his wife, Carole Schneider Phillips, daughters Carrie (Tony) Buchda, Elaine Phillips (Bill) Petersen, Amanda (Mike) Elliott, Sarah (Harry) McIlvaine; grandchildren Sophia Buchda, Bryn Rouse, Emma Odiet (Fiance Ali-Al Abad), Cullen Rouse, and Cricket “Rosemary” Stanley. He is also survived by a step-sister Ann Marie Phillips and his faithful poodle Poppy.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Phillip.
Coulee Region Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements. At Paul’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the former LaCrosse Footwear building at St. Andrew’s Square in Boot Hill Pub at 1501 St. Andrew St., La Crosse on Saturday, September 24th from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Coulee Region Humane Society or the La Crosse Public Library.
“Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for last.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
For nearly 50 years we enjoyed the Phillips home. Our children took their bikes to Paul for repair and discussion. Dinner was always exciting at their house. We shared the love of books and reading.
Dear Carole, Carrie, Elaine, Amanda, and Sarah,
Thank you all so very much for your kindness and caring for this wonderful man. And thanks for sharing him with the rest of us. It is a better world for animals and for people because of Paul… and because of you as well. My best wishes for peace for all of you and your families, Luke
Catherine. Thank you for reminding me of our long years of friendship. How fortunate we were to have met and raise our children when they were young and we were too!! Thank you for your kind words and support.
Luke, meeting you was a very important event in my life. Here we are so many years later, retired and still trying to make a difference in the lives of animals. You gave me courage and opened my mind to the plight animals around the world. Love you, carol$
Since Paul joined our family 58 years ago, we have had many good times playing cards, drinking and eating and raising eight children together. He always had a very dry wit and kind but studious nature ..You and Paul raised an awesome family, all of whom are still close to this day. He also was a noted rubber chemist and has helped the thousands of animals and their families by founding the Coulee Shelter. I think that the shelter changed the character of the LaCrosse area, thanks to Paul. Paul completed his well lived life on own terms, and we are proud that he has been a member of our family, as you must also be.