Obituary of Charles Phillips

Charles Austin Phillips, 74, of Cambridge passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 15, 1935 in Wadena, Minnesota to Charles V. and Hattie (Austin) Phillips. Charlie grew up in Wadena where he attended grade school, graduating from Wadena High School in 1953. As a young man he earned honors as an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend NDSU where he graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1957. On August 24, 1957, he was united in marriage to Dianne (Dede) Davis at the Congregational Church in Wadena. They lived in St. Paul where Charlie interned at Snyder Drug until the spring of 1958 when they moved to Bemidji. He worked at Johnson Corner Drug until May of 1960 when they moved to Cambridge. Charlie began working at Anderson Drug, becoming co-owner in 1963, and for over 40 years Charlie met and made many friends. He made quite an impact in the Cambridge area, becoming very involved in the business and church community. After retiring in September 2000, Charlie and Dede spent winters in Tucson, Arizona. He was a longtime member of Helios Lodge in Cambridge, serving as Worshipful Master in 1988; was a member of the Cambridge Isanti School Board for six years; was president of the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association. Charlie served on the Steering Committee for the Cambridge Centennial celebration and was Finance co-chair for that event. Charlie was also active at the Cambridge United Methodist Church, serving on various commissions over the years. He was a lifetime member of the Purple Hawk and golfed many years in men's league; and was proud to be a board member of the Isanti County Salvation Army. Charlie loved golfing, fishing, duck hunting with family, and doing yard work! In addition, music was a large part of his life. He sang for over forty-five years in the Methodist Church choir; was a member of the Cambridge Campaigners, noted for their political campaigning in song; performed with the Maurice LeGault Chorale; and sang in a barbershop chorus and quartet in Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Juanita Satterlee. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Dede, sons Chuck and wife Mim of O'Fallon, IL, Gregg and wife Jill of Rosemount, Michael and wife Kristen of Apple Valley, eight grandchildren Micah, Wesley, Noah, Rachel, Megan, Emily, Austin and Madeline, brother Sam and wife Mary of Battle Lake, MN, as well as several other relatives and friends. In his family's words, "Charlie was an amazing man!" He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He touched the lives of many; he was loved and will be missed by those who knew him.