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In memory of

Philip "Phil" Merlin Scheevel

Spicer, MN, USA

November 4, 1943 - February 23, 2021

Nov 4, 1943 - Feb 23, 2021

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Philip “Phil” Merlin Scheevel, 77, of Spicer, MN passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Phil was born on November 4, 1943, in Lanesboro, MN to Merlin and Frances Scheevel. He grew up in Spring Grove, MN and graduated high school in 1961. He went on to get his teaching and coaching degree from Saint Olaf College in 1965. Throughout high school and college, Phil excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track.

Phil married his loving wife, Rochelle "Rocky" Marie Bundy, on August 19, 1967. They moved to Chatfield, MN where Phil taught junior high English and coached football and baseball. While there, Phil and Rocky had two daughters, Lynn and Karianne. In 1975, Phil and Rocky moved their family to Spicer, MN where he worked in construction, insurance sales, and filled in as a substitute teacher. He also worked as a custodian at the Green Lake Bible Camp for 12 years before retiring.

Phil was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer, where he sang in the choir, ushered, and chaperoned youth trips in his earlier years. As an active member of the community, he volunteered with the Spicer Commercial Club, and was the race director of the Green Lake Road Race from 1994-2002. Phil was a sports enthusiast. You could frequently find him sitting in his recliner watching a game on TV. When he was not watching sports at home, Phil could be found running the score clock at New London-Spicer basketball games, which he did for over 30 years. He enjoyed following the stats of many Wildcat players over the years.

Phil had a passion for wood carving and was extremely gifted at his craft. This hobby allowed him to participate in local arts fairs over the years, as well as organizing and instructing carving events. He served in many roles with the West Central MN Wood Carvers for many years and was the active president of the Willmar Area Arts Council at the time of his passing. He never missed an opportunity to talk with fellow wood carvers about their latest projects, and he was proud to show off his new creations.

Family came first for Phil. Growing up, his family was always close and that was something that remained constant. It was never a burden to make time for family members and they each have special memories of him. He was a loving and supportive husband to his wife, Rocky. There was never a doubt of the love they had for each other as Rocky always handled Phil’s stubborn side with grace and forgiveness. He was a wonderful father to Lynn, Karianne and their spouses. He passed along his drive and competitive nature to his girls and was their biggest supporter in everything they did. The title of Grandpa was something that Phil cherished. He was so proud of his granddaughter Ellery and his face lit up whenever he saw or talked about her! She will always remember reading on his lap, playing Wizard, building gingerbread houses and doing projects in his workshop.

Phil had a kindness for those he met, a gift with words and endless knowledge. He rarely missed watching Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune. He always had time for a good conversation and spoke fondly of those around him. Many will miss his daily and weekly visits around town. He truly enjoyed stopping by various places to say hi, deliver his homemade candies or share his newest carvings. Phil loved reading, Neil Diamond and country music and will always be remembered for having a Coca Cola in his hand. He will be greatly missed!

Phil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rocky Scheevel, daughters, Lynn (Steve) Rothmeier of Albert Lea, MN, Karianne (Berge) Scheevel (Hovsepian) of San Diego, CA, granddaughter, Ellery Rothmeier, siblings, Kay (Ed) Rauk, John (Connie) Scheevel and Janice (Ron) Szews, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Frances Scheevel, sister, Judy (Bill) Jensen and nephew, Brian Jensen.

Cremation entrusted to Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home of Willmar. Memorials can be sent to Box 215 Spicer, MN 56288. Family kindly requests no plants/flowers. Please feel free to leave words of remembrance or sympathy on this site.

A private, family service will be held on March 6th, 11:30am at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer and live-streamed at the following web address:

https://www.youtube.com/chann…

A larger celebration of life will be held for Phil at a later date to be announced.

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