Michael L. Phillips, 82, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Bettendorf.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to the family and will be used to purchase baseball gloves for underprivileged youth in Mike’s honor.

Michael Lee Phillips was born February 8, 1944, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Elvie and Mae (McGlasson) Phillips. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he served with the 7th Cavalry. In 1969, he married the love of his life, LaVene Getting, in Davenport, Iowa. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage and raised four children before her passing on September 5, 2022.

Mike worked as a telephone repairman for most of his career, retiring from US West. He and LaVene then spent 20 wonderful years in Yuma, Arizona, a place they loved to call home. An outdoorsman at heart, Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, and especially shooting guns.

Mike is survived by four children, Parris (Jim) Rappel of Yuma, Arizona, Michael Phillips II of Waukegan, Illinois, Danielle (Jim) Kent of Bettendorf, and Nicole Phillips of Bettendorf; three grandchildren, Zach Rappel, Peyton Phillips, and Asia O’Conner; two great-grandchildren, Koa Henderson and Malikai Taylor; and his brothers-in-law, Rocky (Judy) Getting, Greg (Becky) Getting, and Doug (Kay) Getting. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVene; and siblings, Nancy Dickinson and Butch Weisse.

It’s only fitting to close Mike’s story with the words he was famous for saying: “Garry Owen, Sir!”

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.