Philip Earl Brickson
February 19, 1935 - September 08, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Philip Earl “Phil” Brickson, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. He was born on Feb. 19, 1935, in Stoughton, the son of Earl and Irene Brickson .
Philip married Bette Kowalske on Oct. 27, 1962. He joined the U.S. Air National Guard in 1953. In 1955, he went to the Aviation Cadets in San Antonio, Texas, Malden, Mo., and Bryan, Texas, graduating as a 2nd lieutenant in 1957. In the Air National Guard, he flew T33, F89 and the F102. He was in charge of the Air Defense Alert Program. In 1972, he won “Top Gun” in the F102, in the William Tell Fighter Jet Competition at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. He retired from service in 1990 and went on to fly for TWA Airlines on the Convair 880 and Boeing 727.
Phil is survived by his wife, Bette; sons, Scott Brickson and Tim Brickson; granddaughters, Alexandra Wollin (Isaac) and Samantha Brickson; grandsons, Shane Brickson and Tyler Brickson; and brother-in-law, Robert (Angie) Van Hecke. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jeanne Nelson.
Phil was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and steadfast loyal friend to all he knew.
A funeral service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:15 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Sep 16, 2021 @ 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Funeral Service
Thu Sep 16, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Graveside Service
Thu Sep 16, 2021 @ 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
SP
Seth Perelman
Other •
I met Phil when I first joined the 115 Fighter Wing. Years later I still remember his kindness, fair-mindedness and especially his cheerfulness. He was a great pilot and an even greater team member.
DA
David Asperheim
Other •
Sorry to read about Phil. I only knew him as the younger brother of his sister, Jeanne, who was a good friend and classmate. Jeanne would tell of his flying exploits at class reunions.
DQ
Dick Quale
Other •
Phil was a good stick and a great guy full of the squadron spirit. Gonna miss him. Dick and Sharon Quale
CM
Charles Miller
Other •
My name is Charles Miller, I was in the Air force Aviation Cadet program with Philip and was his roommate for the duration of 16 months. He and I were sole brothers, getting along beautifully the whole time. He was one of the sharpest cadets as he helped me get through the program never receiving any demerits. We both had the same career goals he being a pilot for TWA and I being with Delta Airlines. We never had a close relationship after leaving the AF but I would hear from him through a mutual friend that was a Delta pilot. I’m so sorry to hear of Philip’s passing, I know he will surely be missed. crmiller11@att.net