On January 27, 2016, our "captain" Philip J. Sharrow, age 92, of Columbus, Wisconsin set sail on his final voyage from the temporary harbor of Life bound for God's eternal heavenly shores.

Phil was born on March 24, 1923. He was raised in Columbus, son of the late Frances (Kurth) and Lloyd Sharrow. Phil was very proud of his Kurth family heritage. Phil graduated Columbus High School in 1941. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in the European Theater, earning the Good Conduct and Purple Heart medals. After serving in the Army, he graduated from UW Madison School of Pharmacy, coming home to work with his father in 1949. On August 10, 1946, he married Mary Powers. They fulfilled their lives together raising 12 children and exploring the world. Phil owned and operated Sharrow Drugs where each of the twelve children and numerous grandchildren obtained their first work experience. Mary passed away in 2002. Phil married Lucile Coates in 2006 and they settled in Englewood Florida. Lucile passed away on July 30, 2015. Phil then came home to the Columbus area where he enjoyed his last days living and being with family and friends. Phil was a long time active member of Rotary, past president, and honorary member. He was a past member of American Legion Post 62, Knights of Columbus and St. Jerome Parish.

Phil was an avid traveler, goodwill ambassador, and captain of the legendary sailboat Vivimus. His boating adventures and mis-adventures took Mary and their faithful crew of children and grandchildren from Alaska to Venezuela to the Galapagos and usually back again. Along the way he was dismasted off of Peru, ran aground in the Bahamas, fought malaria in Belize, enjoyed the statues on Easter Island, and went through the Panama Canal 7 times. He was a true nautical navigator before computer charts, regatta admiral, dance contest winner, occasional doctor, reputable bartender, and friend to everyone he met and the few he didn't yet meet. His first-hand knowledge of cruising life and people was only matched by his atlas of tremendous grocery stores from the Florida Keys to northern Wisconsin. His thick bifocals and wide smile were welcomed everywhere from the joy and laughter that was soon to follow.

Phil is survived by children, Mary (Jack) Laszewski of Green Lake, Nick (Tessie) Sharrow of Columbus, Maurice (Tinker) Sharrow of Superior, Therese (Greg) Campbell of Kewaunee, Cailin (Fred) Lueders of Columbus, Ruth Ann (Thomas) Hermanson of Columbus, Margaret (Thomas) Agnew of Fall River, Dorothea (Gary) Jepsen of New Richmond, Lucy (Patrick) Gavin of Mina, SD; and step-sons Stephen (Levi) Brian (Laura) and Jonathan (Lisa) Coates; thirty-three grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren and six great step-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Evelyn Powers and Betty Powers of Columbus, and Betty Powers of Milwaukee; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Phil was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; daughter Patricia Robertson, two sons, Philip and Peter; granddaughter, Hannah Agnew, his second wife Lucile Coates Sharrow, brothers Robert, Lloyd and William and an infant sister.
A memorial mass and celebration of life was held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH, Columbus. Father Steve Kortendick officiated. Inurnment was in Hillside Cemetery, Columbus. Visitation was from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Columbus/Fall River Rotary Scholarship Fund, Columbus Area Endowment or charity of one's choice.

The family is grateful to Hillside Hospice for their unique, individualized care and to all his caregivers. Heartfelt thanks to the Poser Clinic – Dr. Rolf and Dr. Sam and their staff – whose life-long relationship and friendship with several generations of the Poser family brought great joy to Pharmacist Phil.
Phil is missed by his family and friends. We will always remember his familiar goodbye - "Peace & Love".