Phillip V. Gerencser, age 65 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo following extensive health issues in recent years.  Phil was born July 24, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Julius V. and Martha Gerencser.  He was a Tool Maker at Artisan Tool & Die Company for several years, and retired due to disability in the mid 1980's.  He also formerly worked at Modern Die Systems in Elwood and Delco Electronics in Kokomo for several years.  Phil was a 1970 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later received specialized tool & die training and certification.  Phil was a private person, but was often seen at local restaurants socializing with friends over coffee.  He especially enjoyed NASCAR racing, watching Dale Earnhardt, and building Harley Davidson motorcycles.  He and his son, Dennis, formerly owned and operated the G & G Slot Car Track in Elwood.  Phil was an avid car enthusiast, and built several cars through the years.  He also enjoyed watching television.  More than anything, he loved to watch his grandson, Julius, at his wrestling matches.

Phil's family includes two sons, Dennis V. Gerencser (fiancé Jennifer) both of Elwood and Nicolas Phillip Seward Gerencser of Rigdon; 4 siblings, Larry Gerencser of Florida, David (wife Kathy) Heater of Lone Pine, CA, Mardis (husband Allen) Knotts of Anderson, and Jewel Dye of Kokomo; grandson, Julius Gerencser of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Gerencser.

Funeral services celebrating Phil's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Knox Chapel Cemetery in Point Isabel.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the service on Tuesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made the Diabetes Association through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.