Phillip David Fitzwater

Phillip David Fitzwater was born on August 2, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to Leonard and Fern (Tollefson) Fitzwater. He grew up in Omaha attending Rosewater grade school and graduated from Omaha South High School in 1956. From an early age Phil had an interest in cars and all things mechanical. Phil married Barbara Ann Holbeck on March 30, 1956 in Rock Port, Missouri and they were blessed with four children: Rick, Belinda, Susie and Patty. Phil and Barb raised their family in South Omaha until 1973 when they moved to their acreage south of Waterloo. After High School, Phil worked for Blackey*s Machine Shop before he went into a partnership in All Makes Forklifts. In 1965, he went out on his own as A-1 Forklift and remained there until his retirement in 2000. He loved to rebuild engines for antique cars, make yard art from farm equipment and railroad ties and travel in his motor home with his wife and brother. Phil enjoyed country music and a cold beer. His life was never boring and on one occasion he was shot by a hitchhiker. Phil believed that everyone should take responsibility for themselves and work to their fullest ability. He has never been to the Henry Doorly Zoo, because they ruined the best park in Omaha, Riverview Park. Phil was an easy going man who loved his family and friends. Phil passed away Friday, October 11, 2013 at his acreage south of Waterloo, in his beloved motor home with his family by his side at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Fern and sister Peggy Walters. Phil is survived by his wife of 57 years Barb; son Rick and Mary of Des Moines, IA; daughters and sons-in-law Belinda and Todd Maxwell of Glenville, PA, Susie and Bill Kaufhold of Omaha and Patty and Jerry Shepherd of Valley; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brother Don of Waterloo, NE; sisters Arlene Wise of Council Bluffs, IA, Gloria Houser of Bellevue, NE and Rosemary Humason of Indio, CA. Fitzwater, Phil age 75 of Waterloo, NE owner of A-1 Forklift; survived by wife of 57 years Barb; son Rick and Mary of DesMoines, IA; daughters and sons-in-law Belinda and Todd Maxwell of Glenville, PA, Susie and Bill Kaufhold of Omaha and Patty and Jerry Shepherd of Valley; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brother Don of Waterloo, NE; sisters Arlene Wise of Council Bluffs, IA, Gloria Houser of Bellevue, NE and Rosemary Humason of Indio, CA; visitation Sunday noon to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 5 to 8 at the funeral home. Funeral Monday 2 PM at the funeral home; Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery; In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family; condolences to http://www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com/ Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Phillip David Fitzwater

August 2, 1938 - October 11, 2013