Phil Cook - Memorial Page | Blue Butterfly

Obituary

Philip Charles Cook, 55, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, after a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Phil's love and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Angela Cook; his mother, Charlene Ewald; his sister, Tami Biggus (partner Bobby Ortiz); and his brother, Ryan Ewald ( wife Erica Ewald). Phil's legacy lives on through his cherished children: daughters Jessica Koch (husband Josh Koch and their children Trenton, Carter, and Violet), Kayla Karras (husband Andrew Karras), Amelia Obrion, and sons Xavier Obrion (wife Maya Obrion), Caleb Obrion, and Isaac Obrion. Preceded in death by his step-father Bill Ewald.

Raised in Johnsburg, Illinois, Phil graduated from Johnsburg High School in 1987, and earned his degree from Illinois State University in 1991. In 2001, he realized his dream by founding MindShare Technologies, an IT recruiting company that reflected his innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Phil’s zest for life extended beyond his work. He was an avid fan of baseball, basketball, and football, and his winters were filled with skiing and snowmobiling. A talented woodworker and construction enthusiast, he found joy in creating with his hands. Phil had a unique ability to solve any problem—with a glass of Jack Daniels in hand and a creative spirit.

Known for his humor, intelligence, humility, and boundless generosity. He believed deeply in building a life full of memories, valuing moments with family and friends above all else.

Phil’s presence was a gift to all who knew him. Though his time here was far too brief, his love, laughter, and legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Phil on February 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM at The Shores of Turtle Creek. It will be a time for friends and family to come together, to share memories, and to celebrate the remarkable life of a truly exceptional man.

While we mourn Phil’s passing, we also celebrate his life, cherishing the memories we have of him and finding comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in all those he touched.

Rest in peace, Phil. Your life was a testament to love, laughter, and the power of memories.

Services

Memorial Service (In-Person)

Saturday, February 8, 2025, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Central Time

The Shores of Turtle Creek 7908 Winn Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081

Memories and Condolences

Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.

Matt Backs

Matt

Josh

Tom and I met Phil our sophomore year on Smith1 in Watterson Towers at Illinois State University. Phil was kind, had a great sense of humor, and loved to tease people. He and I constantly gave each other a hard time over our rival high schools (Johnsburg vs. Richmond), as well as our rival NFL teams (Bears vs. Packers) and reveled in every minute of it. The three years we spent with Phil at ISU were some of the best years of our lives, and we’re grateful for every second of them. After we graduated, the good times continued while we celebrated getting jobs and new cars—Phil was extremely excited about the teal Camaro he bought, although less so when the T-tops started to leak! We helped each other move into apartments and houses, and attended bachelor/bachelorette parties and weddings. It was a really fun period of time and we made so many great memories. Phil was not only a wonderful friend, he was a truly good person. I’ll miss his mischievous grin and his heartfelt hugs. Rest in peace, Phil, we love you.

Tom and Shannon Franks

Michelle Artner

I am so extremely saddened by this news. This really, really sucks Phil….I thought we had more time with you. I can’t even express how grateful I am to have had you in my life. You were always a bright light, someone you could count on, a kind and genuine person and you always made me laugh. I truly hope that everyone gets to experience a friend like you in their life. I wish I would have had another opportunity to have told you that. Farewell, my friend. I’ve been beyond lucky to have known you. Even though you are not here anymore, you will always be in my heart, and I will cherish our friendship forever.

Michelle Artner

Steve Bennett

All I can say is that I have known Phil since I was 3 years old…the caring, involved dad he always was to Jessica. Most summers, Jessica and I would spend long weekends together sharing homes for a few days, and Phil was alwyas the one to pick us up/ drive, and make me feel at home! One time I was in the back seat and I asked Jess why Phil drove using the steering wheel with his thumbs … and she said “He’s a really good driver”- and then I continued to drive this way into my adulthood…. LOL! As Jess and I would bark like dogs and act out bevis and butthead, Phil fully embraced our annoyance, and let us be ourselves. He truly loved Jessica so much, and supported her through all of life which demonstrates his solid character . RIP Phil.

Rylee mcdonough