Obituary for Philip "Boccer" James Armbruster

Philip James Armbruster, “Boccer,” was born on May 26, 1950 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Paul and Lois (Strabala) Armbruster. Philip grew up and spent his entire life in Riverside. He graduated from Highland High School in 1968. He enlisted in the Army, in which he served two years, stationed in East Germany/West Berlin in the 2nd Battalion 6th Infantry and special assignment to C Battery & 94th Artillery Unit for Medical Coverage. He worked many years at Rexam Release (HP Smith) until his retirement, then spent several summers mowing for the City of Iowa City Parks Department.

Philip enjoyed all things outdoors - fishing, hunting, camping on sandbars, checking on eagle’s nests and bird watching around Washington County, cutting firewood, and sitting around a campfire drinking Bud Light and telling stories. He was very proud of his acreage outside Riverside. 

He loved trips on his BMW motorcycle and taking photos documenting his travels. He enjoyed old western films, listening to music, and Native American culture. Philip was an avid Hawkeye fan and traveled to several bowl games. He was a friend to everyone and would go to great lengths to prank someone just to make them laugh.

Philip passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Harmony Cedar Rapids. He is survived by his two children, Dillion (Sarah) Armbruster and  Amber Armbruster (Grant Decker), 6 grandchildren: Alexis (Erick) Colon, Jocelyn, Taylor and Cayden Day, and Martin and Quintin Armbruster,  and two great-grandchildren, Orion and Grayson Colon; four siblings, Patricia, Constance, John (Cindy) and Jeff Armbruster, several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pauline Malchodi, and brother Marty Armbruster.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In his own words, “I was an old hippie just trying to get through life.”