Phil Grover

Phil Grover, age 82, of Scottsdale, AZ and formerly of Janesville, WI died Sunday, May 27, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born on May 11, 1936, in Mauston, WI to Arnold and Florence. He grew up in Harvard, IL and married Mary C. Low on June 7, 1959. 

Phil developed a strong work ethic at a young age working alongside his dad in the family's Dean's Milk distributorship, mowing lawns, being a farm hand and working at the local hardware store. While attending high school, he worked for the local Chevy dealer and found a passion for cars that fueled his life career. In Janesville, he was the proprietor of Uptown Shell, sold Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz for four years, and owned Toyota Classics, Ltd, which he successfully operated from 1972 until 1988 when he sold and moved to Scottsdale. After a short break, he returned to the automotive business and enjoyed another 20 years selling and managing in the Valley. He joined Interstate Battery System of Scottsdale, doing outside sales for his son-in-law Billy until July 2015.

Phil was a born again Christian and fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, attending Dream City Church (Phoenix First Assembly). He was a faithful husband for just shy of 59 years to his loving and caring wife Mary, who survives him along with a lasting legacy and heritage passed on to his children, Kevin (Debbie) Grover, Kim Gridley (Mike Young), Becky (Billy) Kann, Brenda Grover; sister Esther (Allan) Fredericks; 10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Durlin.

Phil enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed playing sports, was a lifelong supporter of athletics and coached Babe Ruth baseball. Phil found favor in just about anything with a motor. He raced VW Bugs at the local short track in Rockford, IL, rode snowmobiles and enjoyed 4-wheeling in AZ. He was a collector of classic autos and antique tractors.  His Super M tractor never let him down pulling on the dirt track. The mutual love between Phil and his dogs was amazing, and dearest "Annie" was tirelessly by his side the last several years! His strong handshake was still firm until he passed and his word was his bond.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 2nd at 3 pm with a memorial service at 4 pm at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 

A celebration of life will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Saunders - McFarlin Funeral Home, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Phoenix Dream Center or the Bible Alliance. 

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