Our beloved Phil, age 74, was welcomed into his eternal home on May 22, 2025. After battling chronic lung disease for three years, his family lovingly said goodbye with singing, prayers and the recounting of a lifetime of cherished memories.

In heaven, he was embraced by his parents, Eunice and Jerome Emo and Howard and Lil Southwick, and his twin sisters, Helen (Ron) Bartkowski and Hazel (Howard) Scott.

Philip Charles Southwick was born October 14, 1950, in Madison, SD. He graduated from Velva High School in Velva, ND, and went on to study mechanical engineering at NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND. It was in Wahpeton that he met the love of his life, Mary (nee Hassler) Southwick. Phil knew from the moment he met her, that they were meant for each other. God must have whispered that fact right into Phil's heart because the two went on to fall in love and marry on March 3, 1972, in Perham, MN. During their 53-year marriage, they welcomed four children, Amy (Al) Schmidt, Des Lacs, ND, Jenny (Justin) Schmitz, Elko, MN, Adam Southwick, Goodyear, AZ and Laura (Nick) Kriz, Columbia Heights, MN, eight grandchildren, Nikolai, Olivia, Kaylie, Jasmine, Jordan, Joelle, James and Jackson and one great-grandchild, Elliot. Phil also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his sister, Linda (Tom) Krumwiede, and brothers, Curtis Southwick and Richard (Renae) Southwick.

Phil was a wonderful provider, protector, cheerleader, debater, game player, family historian, sports fan, singer, road tripper and faithful follower of Christ. Phil could often be found cheering for his grandchildren, and their teammates, at any event in which they participated, singing as his wife played piano, or trouncing his children in a lively game of Up and Down the River.

Phil loved family time above all, with his wife at his side. He kept loved ones entertained with his sense of humor, quick wit and endless Trivial Pursuit knowledge. Every family member laughingly remembers his rousing and energetic interpretations of Dr. Seuess' Birthday Book which was family tradition at every birthday celebration. His fun-loving spirit, love of reading and storytelling, generosity and passion for genealogy were gifts his children were blessed to receive.

Phil was gentle and patient and fiercely loyal. He was also admirably confident in his own perspective and secure in his own beliefs. His constant and unwavering presence will leave a void in the lives of all who were blessed to be loved by him.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at 5:00pm, May 27, 2025, at White's Funeral Home in Lonsdale, MN, followed by a prayer service and sharing of memories at 6:00pm. The family would be grateful for any thoughts or memories, short or long, shared at the service.