Philip Lee Hawn

Philip Lee Hawn was born October 28, 1938, in Grundy Center to Burgess & Ruth Wagner Hawn. He graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1956. He married Marilyn Joy Bailey on July 23, 1960. Three children were born to this union: Lori, Bradley and Marci.

Phil worked at John Deere in Waterloo then began his career at Frederick Furniture in Grundy Center where he was a Sales Manager. He was a devoted employee for 55 years, retiring at the age of 78, but only because the store closed.

Phil was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing and golfing with friends and family. No one could catch the fish like Phil did. Annual trips to Canada and Minnesota along with frequent trips to local lakes filled the summers and some winters.

Later in life Phil took to gardening with a vengeance and his harvests were prolific. Neighbors for blocks were blessed with his produce. If you couldn’t find Phil, he was out in the garden.

Phil was a proud and devoted member of the Cornerstone Methodist Church where he served many years as a trustee along with several other positions. His faith meant a lot to him, especially towards the end of his life. He was also a long-time member of Kiwanis, Jaycees and President of the Planning and Zoning Board.

Phil was a card shark …challenge him to a game and you were guaranteed to lose. He was always accused of being lucky, but he always knew what was in everyone else’s hands. Everyone loved, and hated, playing cards with Phil.

Phil never met a stranger he couldn’t talk to. Yet, he was a quiet man that led by example. His work ethic was off the charts, able to do more than many younger than him. Ask his family members about detasseling and how they begged to quit but he would say, just one more round…over and over and over. Phil enjoyed DIY projects, especially with his buddies. They traveled far and wide helping friends and family.

Family meant the most to Phil. He was always there to help his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed their events. He was so proud of his family.

Phil passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children on June 27th at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital at the age of 86.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bobby and Luverne; and his in-laws, Keith & Bernis Bailey.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Marilyn, of just short of 65 years and his family: Lori and Jim Myers: Joe, Mike & Amber, and Tommy; Brad and Jen Hawn: Abby & Nate, Bailey & Taylor, Meredith & Albert, and Drew & Ava; Marci and Marty Rouse: Ally & Connor and Matt & Grace; great-grandchildren: Amelia, Nora, Mattea, Vera, Ava, Collins, Boden, and Everly; brother Doug; brother-in-law Bruce (Pattie) Bailey; sister-in-law Sandy Hawn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Grundy Center Cornerstone Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to the family, which will be shared with the Cornerstone Methodist Church, the Grundy County Memorial Hospital and Unity Point Hospice.