Patrick Phalen, age 80, of 5137 CR 420 21st Road, Gladstone, died Thursday evening July 24, 2008 at home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness.
Patrick was born April 4, 1928 in Nahma the son of David P. and Rose M. (Martin) Phalen. He was raised in Nahma where he was a 1945 graduate of the Nahma High School. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Navy until the end of WW II and he continued to serve his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1954.
Upon returning from the war he had worked for the American Playground Company for 5 years and for 34 years for Mead Paper Company, retiring in 1990.
Patrick was united to the former Rita Newberry on July 2, 1949 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Nahma. They made their home in Gladstone where they raised their four children. Patrick was a member of the Rapid River American Legion Post #301. His hobbies included hunting, trapping and working on his beautiful yard. Most important of all was he loved and enjoyed his relationship with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his wife Rita, survivors include:
3 daughters: Vicki (Dave) Ottensman of Gladstone; Sandy (Mike) Webber of Spalding; Judy Hoffman of Iron Mountain, MI
1 son: Brian (Sandy) Phalen of Brooksville, FL
3 brothers: Clint (Mary) Phalen of Pleasant Hill, CA; Mike (Rae) Phalen of Monte Carlo, CA; David (Barb) Phalen of Gladstone
2 sisters: Peggy (Richard) DePuydt of Lake Havasu, AZ; Rosie Beauchamp of Nahma
12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 great granddaughters, Naydeen Chouinard, Janice Landers and Lily Hess and 3 great grandsons.
Private graveside services will be held on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church officiating. Rapid River American Legion Military Rites will follow the graveside services. Patrick’s family will receive friends at the family home for refreshments and fellowship starting at 12:45 PM.
