Barbara A. Phillis

Phillis, Barbara Alice, Age 72 of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin peacefully took the hand of her Savior on December 16, 2025, after a fall at home.

Barbara was born April 13, 1953, in Milwaukee, WI. She attended St. Stevens and St. Joes grade schools in Stevens Point, WI and graduated from Maria/Pacelli High School in 1971. She then attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and obtained her degree in dental hygiene. In 1973, she married Thomas Phillis, the love of her life.

Barbara began practicing as a dental hygienist in Wisconsin Rapids and continued her career for 48 years, becoming a favorite hygienist of her patients and co-workers, genuinely caring about them and their families.

The witness of Barbara’s life is one of faith and encouragement through the promises of Christ Jesus. She gently and thoughtfully led many to the foot of the cross. Her ability to listen and engage on a deep level, no matter who she was connecting with, was a divine gift.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband Thomas Phillis. Their marriage of 52 years has been a testimony of God’s goodness to so many close friends and family. Barbara is further survived by her children, Amy Jo (Stuart) Johnson, T.J. (Jamie) Phillis and grandchildren Zane and Levi Phillis. Sisters Susan (Norman) Trailer, Patricia (Bill) Konkol, Karen (Ray) Brake and Maribeth Corcoran. Brothers John (Maggie) Corcoran and Tom (Anne) Corcoran. 14 beautiful nieces and nephews and their families, many life-long friends and her faithful fur-baby, Reggie.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond (Bud) and Marge (Jakusz) Corcoran; sister Carol Corcoran LoCascio and her husband, Craig LoCascio and their daughter, Beth LoCascio; brother, James (Jimmy) Corcoran and 2 siblings who died in infancy, Kathleen and Timothy Corcoran.
Barbara was also predeceased by her father and mother-in-law, Ivan and Mary (Ganske) Phillis her son-in-law, William Belanger III, her paternal grandparents, Raymond and Alice (Sullivan) Corcoran; her maternal grandparents, Victor and Agnes (Firkus) Jakusz; and her godparents, Victor and Fay (Sorenson) Jakusz.

Special acknowledgement to the entire team at Marshfield Clinic Surgical ICU, who provided exceptional care.
A remembrance service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 11AM at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation 1 hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara’s name to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. www.PVA.org.