Phillip R. Minard

Phillip R. Minard

Phillip “Whitey” R. Minard, 80, of Fort Dodge, died Saturday, November 25, 2006 at the Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2006 at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Grindberg officiating. Interment will follow in the Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856. Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Bruce-Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Center and continue one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Phillip was born February 28, 1926 the son of Forrest and Pearl (McVey) Minard in Algona, IA. He was raised and attended school in Algona. In 1942 Phillip enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country in the Pacific Theatre as a gunner on the Battleship USS Missouri. His tour of duty included Okinawa, Midway, Iwo Jima, Ulithi, Guam, Philippines and the Japanese mainland. He also had the honor of witnessing the WWII peace treaty signing.

Following his service to his country Phillip was united in marriage to Mary Ann Sorensen in Littleton, CO on November 2, 1949. The couple was blessed with two children, a daughter Kris born in 1952 and a son Mark born in 1954. Phillip was employed at Horn Manufacturing and then Farm and Town Lumber Co. for 40 years until his retirement in 1987 to care for Mary Ann.

Phillip had strong family values and was a caring and loyal friend to many. He supported and participated in his childrens activities. Phillip was also known as the driver for the FDSH Pep Club during the homecoming parade down Central Ave. for many years. He was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church including being the head usher for numerous years. Phillip was also a member of the USS Missouri Association.

Those thankful for having shared in his life include his children; Kristine Minard-Staggs and her husband Carl of Omaha, NE, Mark and his wife Nicki Minard of Otho, IA, three sisters; Fran and her husband Ken Powers of San Diego, CA, Ruth St. John of Ames, IA, June Nelson of Medford, OR, four grandchildren; Tony, Heather, Melissa, Ryan, and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Minard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann in 1989, four brothers; Gene, Floyd, Warren, and Kenneth and his in laws; Edward and Anna Sorensen.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home