Phillip Mcatee Obituary

Phillip R. McAtee, 78, of Independence, IA, died on October 3, 2023, in Rapid City South Dakota. Phillip was born on August 1, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of Donald R. and Mae M. (Beitz) McAtee. He grew up in Troy Mills and attended the Troy Mills Schools. He graduated from Troy Mills High School in 1963 and he married Joyce Cook in 1965, and they made their home on her family's farm. Together they raised four children. They later divorced in 1986. Phillip spent several decades farming and raising dairy cattle. He was diligent in the care of his animals and wanted to pass his knowledge on to the next generation. He spent several years as a 4-H Leader for the Newton Sod Busters 4-H Group. He spent countless hours teaching his kids how to care for and show their animals. In 1986, Phillip retired from farming. On June 12, 1998, Phil married Jennifer Greenwood in Central City, CO. They lived throughout Buchanan County before making their home together in Independence, IA. Together they enjoyed riding horses and went on many trail rides with family and friends throughout Iowa. Phil worked for many years at the Farm Fleet in Independence and for TF Pork in Jesup, IA. Over those years he developed many friendships. Many laughs and memories were made at bowling league, family cookouts, and trail rides. Of those memories most will remember Phil's ability to talk about anything with anyone. In his eyes, everyone was an equal and nothing was off the table to talk about. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Jennifer Greenwood-McAtee, Independence, IA, his children; Michelle (Todd) Dudley, Walker, IA, Doug (Tricia) McAtee, Manchester, IA, Stephanie (Dave) Boies, Independence, IA, Kristin (Jason) Haddeman, Winthrop, IA, Jessica (Blake) Hayward, Independence, IA, and Tony Zieser, Hudson, IA, thirteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a bother, Donald (Deb) McAtee, Troy Mills, IA, three sisters; Wanda (Jim) Eilpulos, Pine Cliff, CO, Rae Galli, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Patricia (David) Miller, Cedar Rapids, IA, and many nieces and nephews. Phillip is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mae McAtee A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Interment will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Independence, IA. Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Monday, October 9th, at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA.