Philip "Firesuit Phil" Pofahl, 70, of Kenosha, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center. Born in Kenosha on December 28, 1940, he was the son of the late Ralph and Luella (Fiancannon) Pofahl. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in the local schools. From 1963 until 1969 Phil was in the Air National Guard, serving in the 128th Air Refueling Group. On January 19, 1963, he married Barbara M. Eaves in Kenosha. For 30 years he worked at American Motors/Chrysler Corp., and later he worked for 10 years at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee until his retirement. Phil was a member of The Geezer Gassers, Mid Century Mercury Car Club, Midwest Ford Club, Midwest Street Machines, and the AMO/AMX Club. He was proud to have been inducted into the Great Lakes Drag Way Hall of Fame and the Kenosha Legends. His greatest passion was drag racing, as “Firesuit Phil” in his 1946 Ford Gasser. He was proud of his many trophies and awards. Phil had been featured in several magazines. He was also a member of the America Legion and Masonic Lodge #47 F&AM. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and spent many years fishing at his cabin in Upper Michigan. Surviving are his wife, Barbara of Kenosha; two sons, Paul Pofahl of Kenosha and Mark (Kim) Pofahl of Twin Lakes; a daughter, Linda Holly of Vermont; a brother, Richard (Joyce) Pofahl of Salem; mother-in-law, Catherine Eaves; brother-in-law, Joel (Sharon) Eaves; sister-in-law, Kathleen Eaves all of Kenosha; four grandchildren, Andrew, Elizabeth, Samantha, and Rachael; a great-grandchild, Bronx; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24th, at Proko Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Masonic Lodge #47 F&AM will conduct a service at 1:30 p.m. followed by funeral services with Chaplain Dave Baugher. Interment with full military honors will follow at Liberty Corners Cemetery. Memorials to Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Philip’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Charlie & Donna Long
February 26, 2011
Donna and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Barb and family during this hardest of times. God must have needed a very talented person because he got one of the best. I will always hold the friendship I had with Phil in the most highest regard, it truly was an honor to call him my friend. Geezer Gasser's as well as the drag racing world will all miss Phil. Thank you Phil for all you taught me. Charlie
Linda Mercier
February 25, 2011
To my next door neighbor and friend I said my deepest sympathy and condolences
Judy (DeYoung)Betz
February 25, 2011
My condolences are with your family. I have known the Pofahl family since I was a child. My parents, John & Lydia DeYoung) were good friends with Ralph and Luella. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.Judy (DeYoung) Betz
Terry and Cheryl Olson
February 25, 2011
We are very sad for your loss. Phil was a real asset to the drag racing world and he will be missed by all of us. Terry and Cherylthe crew at Angliabrokers and Gasser Wars Magazine
Jori K. Kershaw (Bishop)
February 25, 2011
Linda and family,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May knowing your dad is in the Lords loving embrace be of comfort to you all at this difficult time.
Suzy Pecnick
February 24, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this some of sorrow.With love and thoughts; Susan Woodruff, Bob, Suzy, Robbie, Charlie and Damien Pecnick.
Arlo and Pug Dillman
February 24, 2011
Dear Family,We are so sorry we were unable to join you today as you remember Phil. It was just a few short years ago that we met Phil. Our first impression was that we were in the presence of a historical figure. As we got to know Phil better it was his sense of humor and mischievousness that will last forever in our hearts. We chatted for many hours about cars and life and family. When he brought his dragster to Solid Gold McDonald's last fall it was with great whooping and joy each time he would "turn her over" and his smile was endless. We had great fun watching Phil scoot around on his bike up at the Symco show. It has been our great honor to know Phil and call him our friend.We know how much he loved you all and we will remember him forever.We are so sorry for your loss.Sincerely,Arlo and Pug DillmanCaptn Bob and LindafromWisconsin Hot Rod Radio
Cyn Tolstyga
February 24, 2011
Paul (& Family)I was deeply saddened to see that your Dad passed on. He was always such a genuinely kind man, and I loved talking with him whenever we ran into each other. He will always have a place in my heart, and my heart goes out to you all now. The Drag Racing Community Lost a great one, but always know that when you look up in the sky, those aren't clouds- that's Burnout smoke as he's racing in Heaven.
John and Debbe Frost and sons Elliott, Barrett and Bryce
February 24, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss, I know Grandma Catherine was worried about Phil at Christmastime. We had no idea he would pass so quickly. We are thinking of you with sincere sympathy, The Frosts
Laurie McKaig
February 24, 2011
To the Pofahl FamilyMy prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will always remember Phil for his smile & wonderful car stories. I enjoyed working with him at the Hospice Alliance Car Shows promoting such a wonderful cause. He will be missed. Laurie McKaigAAA Agent/Kenosha
Al & Georgia LIndow
February 24, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Barb, sorry we could not be there, our prayers are with you.
Gramps
February 23, 2011
I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss."Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"
Bob Pallamolla
February 23, 2011
To the Pofahl family,My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I'll never forget the times talking to Phil out at the track and around Kenosha. He always had a smile and great storys about drag racing. I had the pleasure of even racing against him and Phil beating me in the finals at Ford Days one year at the Grove. He will be missed by many.
Marlene Quick
February 23, 2011
Dear Barb and family,I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.With deepest sympathy,Marlene Quick