Service Details
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10:30 am in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95th Street in Sturtevant, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held at St. Sebastian Church on Saturday from 8:30 – 10:30 am.
Racine – Philip Mason Gister, age 51, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday, December 6, 2019.
Philip was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 5, 1968 to Martin A. and Florence (nee: Kochanski) Gister. A 1986 graduate of Washington Park High School, he went on to serve our country with the United States Marine Corps from which he retired at the rank of Private in 1988. Philip’s primary interest and life’s work was motorcycles. He was a talented and well-respected Honda/Suzuki motorcycle mechanic in Southeastern Wisconsin, most recently at Aaen Performance. Philip had a loving family, whom he adored more than anything, and a rich social life with a vast circle of friends. Enthusiastic about film, Philip had an encyclopedic knowledge of film across genres and styles and an expansive personal collection of rare, popular, and B-films alike. However, Phil will be remembered most for his generosity, kindness, and warmth. He was a very proud uncle who was never happier than to spend time with his nephews and their children, a devoted son, a friend to all. Philip walked into every room with a smile and was quick to make new friends and acquaintances. His gregarious nature and good humor will be deeply missed by all the loved ones he has left behind.
Philip is survived by his heart-broken parents, Martin and Florence Gister; sister, Claudia McDermott; brother, Martin (Beth) Gister, Jr.; nephews, J. Cameron (Alisha) Macintosh, Adam Macintosh (Brecken Schaller), Collin and Evan Macintosh; M. Andy and Ryan Gister; great-niece and nephew, Rhoda and Lev Macintosh, great-niece Reveille Macintosh; extended Kochanski and Gister family members, St. Lucy Church family & many friends.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10:30 am in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95th Street in Sturtevant, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held at St. Sebastian Church on Saturday from 8:30 – 10:30 am.
Shawn Quirk says
Phil was good friends with my brother, Paul Quirk, in high school. Sadly, Paul also passed away earlier this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Mike Zimmermann says
I was in cub scouts with Philip, and we played together back in the SC Johnson neighborhood. I lived at 2511 Orchard St. Philip’s Mom (Florence) was my Den Mother in Cub Scouts. I’m sad to see this; my sincere condolences to Phil’s family!
My condolences to Shawn Quirk and Family too. I was friends with Paul too; used to come over when he lived by Humble Park.
Gregg Hanrahan says
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember going to his house after school once and a while.
GLENN ROGNSTAD, Ruskin, Florida says
I met Philip in 1981 at Starbuck Junior High School in Racine. I am proud and grateful to have been in Philip’s inner circle of “best” friends. The one thing that stood out most about Philip was that each and every one of his friends felt that THEY were Philip’s best friend…..that was just the way it was with him.
Curtis L Wallin says
Marty and Florence,
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Curt Wallin
Curtis L Wallin says
Marty and Florence,
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Curt Wallin
Beaufort, Missouri
Jay Kemp says
I worked with Phil at Ace Powersports (GREAT motorcycle mechanic by the way) and became good friends…Phil was a great friend, no matter if you haven’t seen each other in years he’d be right there if you needed help. He was quick-witted and always had a great story to tell…he will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Cheers
Shirlie Macintosh says
Sorry for your loss. Phil was a kind person. Thoughts and prayers for the family during this time.
Mike Arena says
I’m so sorry to hear about Phil. I hadn’t seen Phil for quite a while, but still remember vividly growing up with him and your family so many years ago. Prayers for your family.