PHILIP ERNEST BRACKETT-OETINGER
June 15, 1977 – August 11, 2026
Date of Funeral
August 22, 2026
On August 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 September 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 August 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 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 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.
Rosary
Friday, August 21, 2026 at 5:30 P.M.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Pittsburg, Kansas
Visitation
Friday, August 21, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Pittsburg, Kansas
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Pittsburg, Kansas
Burial of cremains will be at a later date
Garden of Memories Cemetery
Pittsburg, Kansas
Memorials
Hands of Compassion or the Knights of Columbus, Pittsburg
Philip was such a strong man, it was hard to see him in that physical condition towards the end of his time here on earth. As many have said before me he always found a positive side to everything My last visit with him, I was thinking of what stories we would talk about. Mostly of our time working together at the school’s. At that visit we both ran out of stories about it. But he looks over towards me and says what a great life he had. How blessed he was. I could go on saying what an inspiration he has been for me. He was such a kind and caring man. The cancer took his physical life, but it never defeated him. God blessed me more than I ever could have thought by putting him in my life.
To the family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Phillip’s passing. Meeting him and calling him my brother was a true gift. We shared wonderful conversations about life, raising men, video games, and food. His laughter and perspective meant the world to me.
To his phenomenal wife and family, you are in my thoughts and heart during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Nikia
I have never met a man like Philip! No matter what challenges he faced, he faced them without bitterness and always with humor and courage! He was an inspiration to all whose path he crossed….
Philip was a long-time client of ours at Limb Lab prosthetics. He and Jovanna were so kind and always had so much joy to share with our time. He will be remembered in all of our hearts with fondness.