Phillip Dale Magerkurth's Obituary
Phillip Dale Magerkurth, age 66, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away of natural causes on Thursday, September 29, 2022 in his multi-generational family home.
Phil was born on January 9, 1956 in Pinckneyville, IL, a son to Roy Leo "Pete" and Doris Elaine (Gaston) Magerkurth. Phil grew up surrounded by his parents, brothers, sister, and large extended family while attending Pinckneyville schools. He worked as a coal miner for Zeigler Coal Company for over twenty years before going back to school and getting a degree in psychology. He graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University in May 2006. He used his education for his work with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and to help the other people in his life. Phil was a Christian, raised in Beaucoup Baptist Church in Pinckneyville, IL and attended various Christian churches throughout his life. He was a free thinker who genuinely enjoyed discussing different ideas and philosophies. He loved without judgement and helped those who were less fortunate. Phil was an avid music lover and enjoyed seeing the Grateful Dead on tour as he embraced the community feeling of joy and love. Phil played guitar, banjo, mandolin, and enjoyed singing. He loved nature and animals, always choosing to live where he could enjoy the outdoors.
Phil walked his own path in life, but family was always a priority for him. As a child, Phil acted like a protector and parent to his younger siblings and cousins and was close friends with his older brother Mark. As an adult he continued to be there for his siblings, lending an ear or a hand, giving a hug or a loan. He helped inspire a love of learning and the outdoors in his nieces, taking them on nature walks, planting trees for them, and giving unique gifts that inspired their curiosity. He was a dedicated son who worked with his father in the mines and often played music with him in their off time. And he lovingly cared for his mother, Doris, in the last few years of her life, as he had for his father, Pete, decades before. In his own words, "Of all the things I'm grateful for, my family is number one."
Survivors include his sister, Dr. Amy Elaine Fisher of Litchfield, IL; two nieces that he loved like daughters, Sarah Fisher of Springfield, IL, and Holly (Michael) Hall of Ottawa, IL; one great-niece, Lily Hall of Ottawa, IL; four great-nephews, Gannon Hall of Ottawa, IL, Garrett Hall of Ottawa, IL, Griffin Hall of Ottawa, IL, and Landon Hall of Ottawa, IL; and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Mark A. Magerkurth and Charles "Chuck" Magerkurth; and beloved canine "son" Shasta.
A celebration of life will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Rob Mathis officiating.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Perry County Humane Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Phillip Dale?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phillip Dale?
Share a story where Phillip Dale's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phillip Dale you’ll never forget.
How did Phillip Dale make you smile?