Service Information
Richard (Dick) Phillips, 85, of Crosslake, MN, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Services will be held on May 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake where Dick was a long-time parishioner.
Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to Mass, with interment at the Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake, MN following Mass.
Obituary
Richard (Dick) Phillips was born on November 2, 1940, to Winfred Frank and Velma (Henneman) Phillips in Kimball, MN. Dick was baptized, confirmed, and received his early education in Hector, MN. He moved with his family to Hutchinson, MN, in 1955. He was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School class of 1958. After graduating from the Globe Business College in St. Paul, Dick volunteered for duty in the Minnesota National Guard.
Upon his return from military training, Dick was employed by the First National Bank in Hutchinson before joining the 3M Company. He was employed by 3M for 36 years; 28 years in Hutchinson and finishing his career in 1996 as the Human Resources Manager in Alexandria, Minnesota.
On October 7, 1960, Dick and his high school sweetheart Joan Lindenberg were united in holy matrimony. Their union was blessed with five children.
Dick was a charter member of the Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427. He received the distinct honor of being voted Hutchinson Elk of the Year in 1973. He initiated the Elks National Hoop Shoot into the Minnesota Elks Association in 1974 and was Chairman of the Board of the Hutchinson Elks in 1978. Dick was an American Legion member for 51 years, first in Hutchinson Post 96 then transferring his membership to Crosslake/Fifty Lakes Post 500 in Crosslake. While a member of the Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion, Dick held the position as Finance Officer for several years.
In 1968 Dick and Joan purchased vacation property on Cross Lake in northern Minnesota. Their vacation property became the centerpoint for family and friends. Dick’s favorite activities included water skiing (in his younger years) and teaching countless people to water ski (joking about adding a notch to his belt for every person he taught). Dick also enjoyed boating, pulling and launching tubers, and discussions around the campfires (rarely without an E&J / water).
In 1986, the couple built a home on their Cross Lake property. The Cross Lake experience was further enhanced when one son spent summer weekends on a nearby lake and his other two sons purchased cabins 1/4 mile up the shoreline on Cross Lake. This “family compound” became very special to Dick and was the source of tremendous joy - enjoying creating lifetime memories with children, grandchildren, and a great grandchild.
Dick was mechanically inclined and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.
Upon retirement in 1996, Dick and Joan moved to their retirement home on Cross Lake. Dick was elected to the Crosslake City Council in 2003, serving for four years.
After being retired for several Minnesota winters, Dick and Joan decided to become snow birds and embraced the RV lifestyle, exploring the southern United States for a few winters before purchasing their winter home in Lake Havasu City, AZ in 2006.
Dick is survived by his wife Joan of 65 years; sons David “Joe” (Karla), Lake Havasu City, AZ; Rick (Kelly), Crosslake, MN; Ron (Jodi), Centerville, MN; daughter Cathy Christenson, Shakopee, MN; Brother Larry (Jan), Hutchinson, MN; seven grandchildren, four step grandchildren, 4 and 2/3rds great grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Win and Velma, an infant daughter Jacqueline Joan, daughter-in-law Brenda, and step grandson RJ.
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
My sympathies to the Phillips family. Joleen and I will have an EJ and water the next time we’re together, in his honor. Hugs to all of you.
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
Our sympathies to the entire Phillips families. Dick was one of the nicest guys in the HR department at Hutch. Cherish the memories.
Bart & Sue Rasmussen says
Heartfelt sympathies to Joan and the entire Phillips family
RIP Uncle Dick
Gary Hawes says
So sorry to hear about Dick,he was such a great guy,my condolences to his family
Porky says
Sorry for your loss, he was a good man.
Judy Thul says
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dick. He was one of my first supervisors in the QC department at 3M. He was a great guy to work for.
John says
Sorry to hear about your Dick. What a great man. Sympathy to the Phillips crew.
JEAN NIES says
My sympathies to Joan and all the family and friends of Dick. Lots of special, fun times had with Dick and Joan, especially events at the Elks Lodge. There was just something about Dick that made you feel like time spent with him would be special.
Paul and Jean Ackland says
Joan and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We are glad that we were able to spend some time with you both in Lake Havasu this year. Dick was a wonderful guy and will be missed by many people. Our prayers are with you.
Marj & Nic Frieler & Family says
Our sympathies to the Phillips families.
Pat and Joy says
Sorry for your loss.
Mary Hoffman says
Deepest sympathy to to the Philips family. So sorry Rick.
Judy ( Hudson) Provos says
Sorry to hear about Dick. My sympathy to you and your family. We had lots of good times together.
Kristin Briggs says
Dear Phillips Family,
I’m so sorry to hear you lost a wonderful father, friend, husband, and everything else special he was to you. I think the first time I met him was shortly before Rick and I went to the prom. That was a long time ago. I believe the family was playing a board game around the table when we walked into your house. Cathy was really young, I could tell she was used to being around a bunch of boys, she handled herself very well and stood her ground. She was just a doll. You were Cathy, I should say I don’t even think she noticed when I walked in the room with Rick. She was into that board game and was going to win. I love the family dynamics you have. I’m sure your dad was a big part of that. You always will have a beautiful family and your father/husband will always be looking down on you with Love and pride. Again, sending sympathy your way.
May God’s blessings, lighten your grief
Kristin Briggs