Philip Herman Siegle

Philip Herman SiegleAugust 6, 1942 - December 17, 2024

Philip Herman Siegle, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, with his wife Kathy at his side. Born on August 6, 1942, in Kankakee, Illinois, Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was full of faith and service.

He has entered into eternal life with God, his parents Virginia and Herman Siegle, and brother James with whom he shared a lifelong love of baseball, spending countless hours together cheering for their favorite teams and creating treasured memories.

Phil leaves behind a legacy of love with his wife, Kathy, his beloved children Jeff (Kristen), Rob (Carrie), and Jenifer Hagness (Luke); and his seven adored grandchildren, Luke, Zac, Maren, Maggie, Noah, Landon, and Lily. 

Phil spent his youth in Kankakee. Working at a bakery and a vet clinic developed Phil’s solid work ethic. After his graduation from Kankakee High School, Phil proudly served his country as an electrician in the U.S. Navy, a career that solidified his knack for solving problems “the right way.” Upon his return to Kankakee, Phil began his studies in Business and Psychology at Olivet Nazarene College. He met the love of his life, Kathy Nyhuis at the church both had attended as children. As they learned about each other, they discovered they were born in the same hospital on the same day 5 years apart. Unbeknownst to them, they also attended the same church and went to the same schools.

Phil spent his professional life in food sales, building a successful career and making countless friends along the way, many with whom he hunted and fished. In his business travels, he put innumerable miles on his cars and collected thousands of frequent flyer miles. Ore-Ida potatoes, Heinz ketchup, and Chelsea Milling all benefited from his high sales volume. His love for food did not stop at the workplace. It was said Phil could grill just about anything to perfection—including a squirrel dinner he proudly prepared and served to Kathy for their first wedding anniversary. On their fine china. Kathy, being the gracious and loving wife she was, ate it with a smile (and maybe a little hesitation).

Phil had an innate love for animals. Over his lifetime, he owned 7 dogs, 2 cats, and kept a raccoon as a childhood pet. He almost always had a loyal dog at his side. When Jen received a cat for Christmas, he immediately brought it home, gave it a bath, and trimmed its whiskers! We were all horrified, but the cat never minded a bath after that and the whiskers grew back.

Phil was an active member of White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, cutting trees for the sanctuary at Christmas time, cooking wild game dinners, holding various board positions, teaching Sunday School, chaperoning a youth service trip, and helping to develop the still popular summer garden plots at WBLUMC. He especially enjoyed the summer music concerts on the church lawn.

Phil and Kathy celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in November. Their marriage was filled with love, faith, and a shared appreciation for the great outdoors. Whether fishing, kayaking, relaxing, or grilling for neighborhood gatherings at their Wisconsin cabin on Half Moon Lake, Phil knew how to embrace life's simple pleasures. 

Phil's faith and commitment to acts of service shaped his life and relationships. He was the neighbor who showed up with a tool belt, a helping hand, or a witty joke—sometimes all three. His stories, often starting with, "Well, let me tell you about the time...," left everyone laughing and appreciating his ability to find humor in the everyday.

Papa Phil will be remembered for his delightful Christmas talking stuffed animal collection, his meticulously prepared Christmas and Easter dinners, the tear in his eye as he read heartfelt prayers and devotions before holiday meals, his passionate (and often exasperated) love for the Vikings, and his gregarious laugh that could light up any room. Papa Phil held his grandchildren in a very special place in his heart. To his grandchildren, he was not only a great man but also an amazing Papa, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Phil's quick wit, kindness, generous heart, and firm handshake made an impact on all who knew him. His laughter-filled rooms and presence will be deeply missed. In his honor, take a moment to enjoy the outdoors, hug a dog, grill something delicious, or share a laugh over a meal with loved ones—just as he would have wanted.

A celebration of Phil's remarkable life will be on Friday, January 10, at WBL United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch Street, White Bear Lake, MN. Visitation at 11 am, Celebration of Life at 12 pm with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to White Bear Lake UMC music program or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

"If there's fish to catch, a grill to fire up, and good company to enjoy, life doesn't get much better than that." Rest easy, Phil. Your life was a gift, and your memory will bring smiles for generations to come. We love you and miss you already.