Phillip Gene Gottlob

Phil was born on March 31,1949 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Freeda and W.D. “Bill” Gottlob. He grew up on a farm near Byers, Colorado, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity that shaped his life. He met his future wife, Vicki, while attending high school in Denver. After graduating, he moved to Okmulgee to attend Oklahoma State Technical College for diesel mechanics. He and Vicki were married on November 26, 1968, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. After college, he and Vicki moved to Texas, where their daughters, Amy and Monica, were born, before settling in Nebraska in 1973 and eventually making Cook their home in 1975. He lived a full life filled with joy, hard work, and deep faith in God. He was a humble man of quiet strength, whose commitment to God guided him in all things with grace and sincerity. He loved life wholeheartedly, finding great purpose and satisfaction in his work repairing and maintaining tractors and farm equipment. In 1980, he built and opened Cook Diesel, his shop in Cook, where his dedication and skill touched so many. He continued working there up until the end of his life, joined by his trusted friend, Les Gerking, whose working relationship and friendship spanned more than 50 years. He also poured his heart into building several hot rods, a passion that took him across the U.S. with his car club to car shows, creating lasting friendships along the way.

Always putting his family first, he was selfless in his love, support, and devotion to those closest to him—none more so than his grandson Jordan. He treasured time with Jordan, sharing life stories, gentle guidance, and the Scripture "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26), reminding Jordan that faith could carry them through anything. Those tender, faith-filled talks filled with encouragement and love will forever be treasured as a beautiful legacy of his grandfatherly heart.

He was known for his gentle humility, warm spirit, and his unique ability to say the right thing at just the right moment, often leaving everyone smiling or laughing. He lived out his beliefs through kindness, service, and enthusiasm for the things and people he loved every day. Phil faithfully attended Syracuse Church of Christ and most recently, Harvest Field Church of Christ in Omaha, forming cherished bonds with both church families through fellowship and mutual encouragement. He lived generously, always more blessed to give than receive, sharing his time, talents, and resources with others, whether helping a neighbor or friend, supporting his church family, or simply being there for his family in quiet, selfless ways. In his commitment to faith, he often shared God’s word with humility and warmth.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Vicki; his daughters, Amy Schmitt (Mitch), and Monica Gottlob; his grandchildren, Jordan Edmonds, Hannah, Weston and Allison Schmitt, his brother-in-law, Donald Hein, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill Gottlob Jr.; and his brother-in-law, James Vonfeldt.

Phil will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, humility, joyful spirit, family devotion, and love for creating, connecting, and serving others will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew him.

A memorial celebration of Phil’s life will be held in the coming months. Please check back or contact the family for updates.