On Aug. 11, 2026, at 1:01 a.m., Philip Brackett-Oetinger peacefully entered into heaven, where he is now dancing on two strong legs with our Lord Jesus. Philip was born June 15, 1977, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Arnold and Patricia (Bruns) Oetinger. He graduated from Hesston High School in 1995 and later earned a trade degree in Computer-Aided Drafting from Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Philip’s first job brought him to Pittsburg, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Jovanna. They married on Sept. 16, 2005, and shared more than 20 years of love, faith, laughter, and countless memories. Philip later earned his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in May 2014. He was a member and treasurer of TOPS Weight Loss Group and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In Aug. 2016, Philip was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in his right knee and spent the next decade courageously facing cancer, including an amputation, radiation and chemotherapy, and two partial lung-removal surgeries. Through every treatment, setback, and physical limitation, Philip chose to look for the positives. Philip treasured his weekends at the farm with Jovanna, caring for their goats, fishing with his father-in-law Johnnie and Uncle Don, family gatherings, and Sunday chicken dinners. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, kindness, and ability to bring lightness to difficult moments. Philip’s strength, faith, and perseverance touched many lives, leaving a legacy of courage and love that will continue through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Jovanna, of their home in Radley. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Julee Brackett-Rhodes, brother-in-law Mike Rhodes, and niece, Mikalee Josette Rhodes of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his goddaughter, Devina Reese of Pittsburg, Kansas; his godson, Joshua Westhoff of Danbury, Connecticut; his mother, his two sisters, and many extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Saturday, August 22, 2026 with Father Peter Bergkamp as the celebrant. Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary from 6 to 8 p.m. Following the Mass on Saturday, Jovanna and the family invite everyone to spend that time together - sharing stories, laughter, memories, and celebrating the remarkable life of Philip at the St. Mary’s Field House. Burial of the cremates will be at a later date at the Garden of Memories cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hands of Compassion or the Knights of Columbus, Pittsburg. They can be sent to the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 East Washington, Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.
