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Phillip D. Walsh, 91, of Alta died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Scandinavian Cemetery in Alta. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements.
Phil was born to William and Myrtle (Johnson) Walsh on Jan. 4, 1932 in Marcus. He was the first 1932 baby in Cherokee County. He was baptized as an infant in 1932.
He attended elementary and high school in Alta, graduating in 1950.
On Oct. 10, 1950, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on July 22, 1954. While serving, he spent 32 months overseas.
Throughout his working career, he was employed at Hygrade for 30 years, the United States Postal Service and WEL-Life.
Phil was united in marriage to Genevieve “Jennie” Anderson on June 29, 1957 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past summer. They were blessed with three children: identical twin daughters, Jeanne and Joveda, and a son, Michael.
Phil was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He served as an officer in the local VFW for many years. He belonged to the Local I-Club. Phil was a Campfire dad and a Cub Scout and Webelos leader. He also helped coach Mike’s baseball teams.
Phil loved the Iowa Hawkeyes. He and Jennie held football season tickets for 19 years. He watched the Hawks on TV whenever possible. He especially enjoyed watching the Iowa women’s basketball team play. Phil and Jeanne traveled around the United States attending VFW conventions. They also enjoyed visiting family and friends making frequent trips to Plano, Texas and Grimes.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, William and Myrtle Walsh; brothers: William, Francis, Noel and Lloyd; and sisters: Ardyce, Delores, Beverly, Darlene and Sheila.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jennie Walsh of Alta; children: Jeanne (Randy) Peters of Grimes; Joveda Fitzsimmons of Plano, Texas; Michael (Tammy) Walsh of Plano, Texas; grandchildren: Shea Fitzsimmons, Karl Peters, Hannah (Trevor) Anderson and Amanda Walsh; great-granddaughter, Quinn Fitzsimmons; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A special thank you to Dr. Glienke, the staff at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Methodist Manor and St. Croix Hospice.
