Gerald Phephles

VISITATION:

1-2 p.m., Saturday, July 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel.

SERVICE:

2 p.m., Saturday, July 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel.

Gerald W. Jerry Cowboy Phephles, 63, of Eau Claire, died Monday, July 15, 2013, at home.

Jerry was born to Erma (Rott) and Clarence Phephles on October 14, 1949, in Eau Claire. He graduated from Eau Claire North High School in 1967. In 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Jerry worked for many years driving Semi across the United States. The past years were spent driving for A1-Taxi where he was known as Cowboy. Jerry enjoyed the taxi service because of all the people he met but, mostly because he was able to enjoy his daughters, son, and grandchildren.

He had a love of old cars and fishing. Helpful to everyone, never to turn down a request for help. Jerry always had a cowboy hat on, Pepsi in his hand and a smile on his face.

Jerry is survived by his mother, Erma Phephles; his four children, Amanda (Mark) Duce of Chippewa Falls, Sara (Shawn) Anderson of Salina, KS, Aaron Phephles (girlfriend Aleasha Pree) of Chippewa Falls, Samantha Phephles (Fianc Bryan Peterson) of Eau Claire; two step-children who he considered his own Angelina (Randy) Bowers of Farmington, MN, Scott (Kimberly) Graham of Chippewa Falls; seven grandchildren, Austin Slowiak, Makayla Anderson, Eugenia, Lucas, Carson, Ashtyn, and Parker Duce; two step-grandchildren, Amber & Ashley Graham; three brothers, Leslie Les (Helen) Phephles of LaValle, WI, Craig (Cindy) Phephles of Bellevue, NE, Kevin (Holly) Phephles of Eau Claire; a sister, Loretta (Donald DJ) Goss of Cibolo, TX; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is further survived by long-term girlfriend, Linda Timlin of Spring Valley, and best friend, Tommy Thompson of Eau Claire, who Jerry talked about often.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Clarence in 1999 and brother, Darrell Phephles in 1947.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire, with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post 53.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral chapel.

AFTERSERVICE:

A memorial service for Gerald W. Jerry Cowboy Phephles, 63, of Eau Claire, was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Stuart Krause officiated and personal reflections were given by son-in-law, Mark Duce and best friend, Tommy Thompson.

Interment was in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire with military honor conducted by American Legion Post 53. Robert Morse bugled the Navy Hymn and taps .