Phillip Morphew

Phillip C. Morphew, age 75, of rural Browerville, passed away at his home early Saturday morning, August 9, 2008. Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, August 14, 2008, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Church on Thursday. Interment will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at Minneapolis, MN.
Phillip Carlyle Morphew was born on August 8, 1933, in Nora Springs, IA, the son of Carl and Bonnie (Means) Morphew. He grew up in Nora Springs and graduated from High School there. In March of 1953 he entered the United States Army honorably serving his country for 3 years. On September 28, 1957, he was united in marriage to Joan Habeck in Minneapolis, MN. They were able to share over 50 years of marriage together. The first 20 years were spent in Minneapolis before moving to Zimmerman, MN. The couple spent 20+ years there before moving to their current home on Fawn Lake.Taking pride in his work Phil spent 34 years working for Waste Management in Blaine, MN. He retired shortly before moving to the lake.Phil believed it was important to intstill a good work ethic and strong values into his children while spending time and having fun with his family. Having the family together at the lake brought him great joy these last 10 years. An avid deer hunter he took several hunting trips to Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bonnie, and a son Jeffrey. Phillip will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Joan; children, Pam Ortega of Coon Rapids, Tim (and special friend, Patricia) Morphew of St. Michael, Dennis (Vicki) Morphew of Elk River, Melissa (and fiancé Mike) Hurd of St. Louis Park, and Angela Morphew of Browerville; 7 grandchildren, Timmy, Tommy, Amy, Kasi, Jena, Stephanie, and McKinsey, and his buddy, Cozmo (the family dog.)