Philip Charles Truckenbrod, passed away after a sudden illness on April 22, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, with his daughter, Emily, by his side. He was born on the family farm in Paw Paw, Illinois to Edgar John and Evelyn Cecelia Margaret (Schmitz) Truckenbrod on August 25, 1942. During his youth, Philip was active is many school activities including playing drum set for the Mendota Accordion Band, in which his sister also played. After high school, Philip attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, majoring in Psychology. While at Wartburg, he made many wonderful life- long friends, especially “The Boys” from the Vollmer House. At Wartburg, Philip served in several on-campus positions including as Senior Class President.
Following his graduation in 1964, Philip began his graduate studies at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and eventually earned his Master’s degree in 1970. While in graduate school, Philip worked as the Director of Training at the Singer Zone Center in Rockford, Illinois. Prior to completing his Master’s Thesis, Philip enrolled in the Peace Corps and spent a short time in Istanbul, Turkey. Upon his return, Philip was hired at Elgin Mental Health Center as the Director of Training and Staff Development where he worked about 30 years. Early in his career, he co-authored two books on Mental Health. After retirement in 1999, Philip taught introductory psychology classes at various private and community colleges in Northern Illinois until 2003. During this time, he lived in Plato Center and DeKalb, Illinois.
Outside of work, Philip enjoyed riding his blue 10 speed bike and flying airplanes. He eventually earned his pilot’s license, including instrument rating certification, and purchased a Beechcraft Sundowner. He often flew to fun places for dinner or on short trips with his daughter, Emily. For several years, Philip served on the DeKalb County Airport Board. He also spent countless hours taking Emily to play and musical rehearsals and one year, joined her in DeKalb’s Stage Coach Player’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.
After retiring from his various teaching positions, Philip lived in Arkansas and Florida and during December of 2018 moved to Edwardsville, Illinois to be near his daughter Emily and grandson, Aidan. While in Edwardsville, Philip lived at Stillwater Senior Living, a place of great blessing to Philip and his entire family. His many friendships, including Billy, and deep relationships with the staff, administration, and Legacy Therapy team, were so meaningful and appreciated. Philip especially loved the Joy Rides, visits from the comfort dogs, and Happy Hour musical performances on Fridays.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Evelyn Truckenbrod. He is survived by his devoted daughter Emily and beloved grandson Aidan. He is additionally survived by his sister Francis Kline of Solon, Iowa and his nieces Debbie (Greg) of Walworth, New York; Sandy (Michael) of Sodus, New York; Sara (Craig) of Coralville, Iowa and his nephew Daniel (Nick) of New York City, New York, and their children, along with his former wife, Joan Truckenbrod (Sharman) of Corvallis, Oregon.
Philip was a very cherished person and will be greatly missed.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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