Watch Phil's Funeral Service

Phil Rogers, 96 years young, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 16, 2019, at his home in Apache Junction, AZ, surrounded by family and friends and under the care of his family and Seasons Hospice of Phoenix, AZ.

Phil was born during a blizzard and hours after his twin brother, Earl, on January 15, 1923, to Otto and Milla Rogers in their home in Norman County, rural Twin Valley, MN.  He was baptized, confirmed, married and a life-long member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church.

He attended Banner Country School through 8 ^th grade and attended and graduated from Twin Valley High in 1942.  Phil had a life-long love of sports, including basketball, and football where he was proud to be a player on the undefeated Twin Valley Football Team.  Phil also loved playing volleyball at the lake and with his Twin Valley recreation friends until he was 75 years old.  He even played bean bag at the lake until the age of 94—and his team usually won after him saying, "Here's one for the hole"!!!

Phil met the love of his life, Donna Albertson, and they married on December 19, 1948.  Together they lived and farmed in the Popple Grove Township, Waubun, Minnesota area.  He was a true "steward" of the land and loved farming. Phil and Donna were proud to celebrate their farm as Mahnomen County's 1 ^st Century Farm and earned the honor of "Farmer and Homemaker of the Year" for Mahnomen County.  Phil and Donna raised their daughters, Ranelle and Patti, on their lovely farm.

Phil also enjoyed woodworking in his shop, working alongside Earl and the two of them would create not just one of each item but NUMEROUS ones—all to share with family and any friend them met.

Phil's wife, daughters, sons-in-law and large extended family and friends were super special but the twinkle in his eye and the huge loving smile was enhanced by granddaughter, Amber.  Any time with Amber was a precious gift and he talked about those times spent with her to anyone who would listen.

Phil and Donna lived at South Twin Lake in summers and Apache Junction during the winters.  Their home was always welcoming and coffee and treats were on the table as they loved the visits with family and friends.

Phil was active in his community through 4-H leadership, church council, Waubun School Board, Popple Grove Township Clerk, Soil Conservation Board, and Wild Rice Youth Leader.

Phil adored his entire extended family and circle of friends and once you met him---you were his friend.  He loved: music especially country, anything blueberry, cream and bread, chocolate, gummy bears, red velvet cake, ice cream, lemon drops, watching sports, traveling, Bingo, sitting in his chair with the family pets: Otis, Maggie or Jack, playing cards and always ending a game with "How about another quick one", having a good story to tell and HUGS!!!!!

He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his kindness, warmth and caring, his compassionate and generous spirit and his never ending love for family and friends and especially for his wonderful HUGS!

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Donna; his dear family: Ranelle & Mark Fogelson, Patti & Jon Berger and Amber & Andy Blattenbauer; sisters and brothers-in-law: Mavis Wermager, Verla & LaVerne Schoenborn, Ted Winter; sisters-in-law, Ardelle Rogers and Carolyn Albertson; and many precious extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Raymond, William, Gilford and identical twin, Earl; sisters:  Ethel Morken, Alta Winter and infant brother and sisters.

Hugs and love in memory of Phil Rogers

The family wishes to acknowledge the White Earth Health Care Staff and Phoenix Indian Health Center for their wonderful care and Seasons Hospice of Phoenix, AZ for their compassionate, professional and caring service for Phil's last days on earth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Wild Rice Lutheran Church, Waubun Dollars for Scholars, Seasons Hospice in Phoenix, AZ, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, MN.  Visitation will take place at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church.

A Celebration of Life will also be held in Arizona.