Phillip Wayne “Phil” Gaarder, 82, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, in his home, at Eagle Crest North in Onalaska, Wisconsin, on September 8, 2026.

Phil was born on August 30, 1944, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Francis Gaarder and Lynor (Gaarder) Wheeler. He graduated from Holmen High School with the Class of 1962.

Following high school, Phil worked in various retail management positions in Madison, Wisconsin; Muskegon, Michigan; and Rockford, Illinois, before returning to the La Crosse area and beginning a 22-year career with G. Heileman Brewing Company. He formed many lasting friendships there and always enjoyed reconnecting with his former coworkers.

A lifelong learner with a curious mind, Phil believed there was always something new to discover. At age 55, after retiring from the Brewery, he returned to school at Western Wisconsin Technical College, graduating with high honors and earning an associate degree in Business Administration. He later obtained his Wisconsin and Minnesota real estate licenses and worked in real estate with Gerard Hoeschler and Assist-2-Sell. His love of learning continued throughout his life and could be seen in the wide variety of books that filled his home library. He loved sharing those books with family and friends, hoping to inspire in others the same curiosity and desire to keep learning that he carried throughout his life.

Phil had a heart for serving others. In his younger years, Phil volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at Holmen Lutheran Church. He also gave his time to Gundersen Health System in Renal Dialysis and to the local Epilepsy Foundation office. In 2008, he became a Stephen Minister through Holmen Lutheran Church, providing one-on-one care to people experiencing difficult times in their lives. He especially looked forward to giving back to a local family or organization during the holidays and wanted his grandchildren to understand the importance and joy of giving back.

Above all else, Phil’s true legacy was his family. He was a deeply devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved unconditionally. His daughters knew they could bring him any problem, big or small. He was a gifted listener who offered encouragement without judgment, always leaving you feeling a little stronger and a little lighter.

Phil was a man of true loyalty, honor, generosity, and kindness. He rarely complained, chose to look at the bright side of life, and was always seen with a smile on his face. He found joy in the simple things, reading a good book, traveling, being surrounded by family, and learning something new every single day. Phil valued relationships deeply, and he had a rare, beautiful gift for connecting with people wherever he went.

For the last 10 years, Phil called Eagle Crest North in Onalaska home, where he formed many treasured friendships. The staff and residents became an extended family to him, and he truly enjoyed the time he spent with them.

Phil is survived by his three daughters, Kimberly (Dave) Woggon, Raphael Koss, and Erin (Bart) Gunderson; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Levi, Hannah, Madison, Natalie, Marina, Manuel, Brandon, Paige, Michael, Mercedes, Max, Taylor, McKenna, Bennett, and Gabrielle; and his great-grandchildren, Maeson, Landyn, Emmett, Poppy, Ruger, Harper, Morrison, Opal, Kane, Wesson, Roman, Rhett, Maverick, Sedona, Micah, Sunnie, Myles,  Oaklynn, Remi and Maeve.

He is further survived by his brothers, Gene (Helene) Gaarder and Keith Gaarder; his sister, Kay (Garold) Becker; and many other relatives and dear friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Preston Phillip Gunderson; his father, Francis Gaarder; and his mother, Lynor (Gaarder) Wheeler.

Dad, thank you for loving us unconditionally, for always being our safe place, and for being our biggest supporter. Thank you for listening, believing in us, protecting us, and teaching us through the way you lived your life by what truly matters. We are so proud to be your daughters and will love and miss you beyond words.

Love always,
Your Girls — Kim, Raphie & Erin

A celebration of Phil’s life will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at Holmen Lutheran Church in Holmen, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at the church.

Phil’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring teams at Mayo Clinic Health System, including the staff of 5th Floor Unit 5C and Palliative Care; Mayo Clinic Health System – Holmen; Agrace Hospice; and the staff of Eagle Crest North for the compassion, kindness, and support shown to Phil and his family.

Coulee Region Cremation Group of Onalaska is assisting the family with arrangements.