Phillip Van Dwinnells

Phillip Van Dwinnells (62) died on May 23rd, 2019. Cremation rites accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, Lincoln. Though his heart ached for the Florida sunshine, he was fortunate to spend his last year of life surrounded by love from his children and grandchildren living in Illinois.
Van described himself as a Midwestern cowboy with some Iroquois Indian blood. He loved God, his country, family and friends. Van was a big-hearted teddy bear. He was a good looking man with a great sense of humor and a distinct family laugh. He always took care of those he loved in times of need. He was secure in his faith, a wonderful father, and a hardcore Harley Davidson enthusiast who knew how to have a good time.

Van was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren. He instilled his values by preaching the importance of independence, community service, and lived by the golden rule. He was a model for working hard and taking time to enjoy the little things in life. Van raised his children, to be honest, respectful, confident, and to live life without regrets.

He had a lifelong love affair with motorcycles, good music and food, and all things made from oak. His home away from home will always include the beach and village life on Siesta Key in Florida and dreaming of being his own boss and having a company with his family.

If you needed a friend he was there to listen calming any fear with just a few words. Van was fun to be around and always a great conversationalist that added the right touch of comedy or wisdom to any situation. He was a published poet and had an eye for photography.

Van was preceded in death by his father Robert Phillip Dwinnells and beloved mother Helen June Fones (Mann) who we all lost last year. He is survived in legacy by; his brothers Rob Dwinnells and Dirk Dwinnells (Michelle); daughter DeShea Swaar (Ryan) and son Van Dwinnells (Rachael) and their mother, his former wife, Brenda Dwinnells (Robey); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends.

Donations in his memory may be made to help fund his final wishes which include a trip to Siesta Key Florida to spread part of his ashes and purchasing a bench and plaque to join his Mother and Aunt at their final resting place with the remainder of his ashes. A GoFundMe campaign has been started at gofundme.com/phillipvandwinnells

Condolences may be expressed to the family online via his Facebook profile https://www.facebook.com/DwinnellsVan or through email at [email protected].

We will have a Celebration of Life, Van Style. The planning is in process. Close friends and family are all invited. For details and RSVP, please contact DeShea via Facebook