Jesse E. Phillips, 93, Cold Spring

August 27, 1922 - October 22, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Jesse E. Phillips, age 93, who died Thursday peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 66 years and his loving family. Entombment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2015 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday afternoon at the funeral home.

Jess was born in Cold Spring, MN to Henry and Lena (Streit) Phillips. He married Theresa Johannes on September 17, 1949 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Jess was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces from December 1943 – August 1946. He was proud of his service to the country during WWII, flying missions overseas and teaching as a flight instructor. As a great honor Jess was appointed to fly POW’s back home. After serving in the military, insurance became his career, first by selling insurance and then by owning his own agency.

One of his greatest joys was spending time at the cabin with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his lifetime. Later in life he became a book lover reading 3-4 novels a week. Jess was a member of the Cold Spring American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa; children, Bruce (Mary) Phillips and their children, Elizabeth and Michael; Jan (Doug) John and their children, Josh and Megan; Randy (Marlene) Phillips and his children, Nicholas, Jesse and Kristi; Dee (Joe) Minnerath and their children, Chad, Katie and Molly; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter; Rhonda Phillips-Jensen; siblings, Leo Phillips, Armond Phillips and Janet Filas.