Philip Kale VanBuskirk's Obituary
Philip VanBuskirk, 71 of Lucerne passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Mercy One - Des Moines.
Philip was born to Kale & Hester (Parrish) VanBuskirk on March 23, 1954 in Centerville, IA. He received his education from Putnam County High School, graduating in 1972. Philip was united in marriage to Pamela Ellen Johnson on July 25th, 1975, his high school sweetheart and would later precede him in death. Philip would later meet Rhonda Simpson and would be united in marriage on September 5, 2008.
Philip started his love for farming by working for Bill and Nancy Tucker Family, then started his own farming business with Pam and later had Phil's Repair with his nephew Trevor Pickering. He also worked for Premium Standard Farms before leaving to farm full-time and operate his trucking business. He enjoyed his life on the farm and driving his truck. In his free time, he enjoyed attending tractor pulls, but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda VanBuskirk, children: Sabrina Mitchell (Eric), Brock VanBuskirk, Heath Simpson (Shelby Hall), Heather Robinson (Wyatt), grandchildren: Owen Mitchell, Quinn Mitchell, sister; Connie Putnam (Dave), mother-in-law, Minnie Cunningham, sisters-in-law: Leota Thompson, Phyllis Pickering (Jack), Tammy Hitt and numerous extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pamela, parents, father and mother-in law, Melvin and Dora Ellen Johnson, sister-in-law, Leona Bonel, brother-in-law, Ron Cunningham (Kathy) and father-in-law, Melvin Cunningham.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Lucerne Christian Church with Doug Fairley officiating. Interment will follow at Lucerne Cemetery. Visitation will take place Wednesday at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville with family present from 5-7:00 PM. Memorials may be given to the Lucerne Christian Church or Lucerne Cemetery, and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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