Philip T. Ciolkosz, age 77, a resident of New Franken, and formerly of Manitowoc, entered eternal life following a courageous battle with cancer with family by his side on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at his residence.

Philip Thomas Ciolkosz was born May 27, 1944, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to the late Frank and Rose (Patchek) Ciolkosz. He was educated in the Owen-Withe School District and graduated in 1962. He continued his education at UW-River Falls and graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1966 and earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1976. Phil moved to Manitowoc, where he accepted his first teaching position with the Manitowoc Public School District. Phil was affectionately known as Mr. C as his teaching career spanned across five different elementary schools. Over the years, whenever he ran into former students, they often thanked him for his positive impact, shared special memories, and admitted that he was their favorite teacher. He was proud to be one of the teachers chosen to implement a pilot program using computer technology in the language arts area. Phil enjoyed teaching and had many humorous stories to share over a 35-year career. He also taught Drivers Education classes at Lincoln High School and Lakeshore Technical College.

Upon his retirement in 2001, Phil used his carpentry skills to venture into home remodeling and repair. His motto was, "if you're going to do it, do it right the first time." The job was never done until all of the meticulous details were perfect. His son's father-in-law always said that Phil is the best detail contractor, but he could never make money doing it.

Phil also enjoyed hunting and fishing, excelling in the exaggeration of the size of the catch. From the time he was 16, he was an avid car enthusiast. As the years passed, he established a chronology of his life's events by the car he was driving at the time. One of Phil's prized possessions was a 1976 Camaro Rally Sport. As with his carpentry, the details of the car's originality were his top priority. The neighbors loved the engine's rumble as he cruised through the neighborhood. It was rumored that he had photos of the Camaro in his wallet at three months, six months, and one year.

Phil was always available to anyone who needed his expertise or a helping hand. His warm, jovial, and kindhearted spirit will be missed by everyone who was blessed to have known him. The common thread in the many cards he received was words such wonderful, amazing, kind, and loved. That he was. What a beautiful legacy.

Survivors include Phil's wife of 30 years, Sandra; two children, Timothy (Andrea) Ciolkosz, Hockessin, DE; and Anne (Vince) Pasquale, Lewis Center, OH; two stepsons, Shane Hartman, Kellnersville; and Brett (Terra) Hartman, Kewaunee; eight cherished grandchildren, Seth Ciolkosz, Emma Ciolkosz, Molly Ciolkosz, Nick Pasquale, Sophia Pasquale, Rylee Hartman, Skylar Hartman, and Harper Hartman; four sisters, Irene Haas, Marlene (Frank) Soborowicz, Phyllis Skaleski, and Judy (Bill) Foster; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to include: Louis Przybrylski, Allen Jensen, Leonard (Debbie) Jensen, Henry (Carolyn) Jensen, James Jensen, Charlotte (Matt) Wagner, Joann (Bill) Gamble, Sue (John) Satori, Kathy (Tom – who shared a special bond with Phil) Popp, and Debbie Jensen; also loving nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rose Ciolkosz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Grace Jensen; brother, Rudy (Ethel) Ciolkosz; two sisters, Doris (Bob) Healey and Sylvia Przybrylski; two brothers-in-law, Bill Haas and Sylvester Skaleski; and sister-in-law, Kay Jensen.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Hope Community Church, 4408 County Road B, Manitowoc with Bo Perkins officiating.  Cremation will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Phil's cremated remains to be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.  The family will greet relatives and friends at Hope Community Church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at Noon.  To submit online condolences to the family, please visit www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Phil's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org .

Sandra would like to extend her thanks and appreciation to Valhalla neighbors Lynn and Andy Benson, Jane and Tom Pick, Michelle and Eric Vandenhouten, Kari and Keith Liebeck, Sheree and Craig Peppin, and Vicki and Dan Wotruba for their selfless help and support.  Also, special thanks to Larry and Linda Cutlan, Mary Gammelin, Lois Terp, Ed and Maureen Moses, and the many other prayer warriors who strengthened and encouraged Phil and his family during this difficult time.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.