Philip L. Chamberlain, 87
Published 10:52 am Thursday, June 25, 2015
Philip L. Chamberlain, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at his home in Cottonwood, Arizona.
Phil was born Dec. 11, 1927, on a farm in Hamilton, Minnesota, son of Elbert and Esther (Cooper) Chamberlain. After the death of his father, and subsequent marriage of his mother to Theodore “Ted” Eppard, he grew up on the family dairy farm in Racine, graduating from Stewartville High School in 1945, and joining the Navy immediately after graduation. He and Beverly J. Markham of Stewartville, Minnesota, married in Stewartville, and resided in San Francisco for the remainder of his enlistment, and in Austin, Minnesota, thereafter. Phil began his career at the Hormel Company in 1949, just as computers were introduced to the business world. He learned and evolved with the field, working as a systems analyst with Hormel until retirement.
He and Bev had three children. Phil enjoyed time with family and friends, and was an avid reader. He enjoyed golf, photography, cooking, traveling, working with wood, canoeing, fishing, and hunting. He was active in the Austin YMCA playing a leadership role in programming and establishing its first facility in Austin. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Camp Olson YMCA, serving terms as president and board member.
He is survived by partner, Eunice Hill; son, Ross (Ruth) Chamberlain of Austin, Minnesota; daughter, Cindy (Jim) Scott of Rochester, Minnesota; grandsons: Cody (Ashley) Chamberlain, Kyle (Kristi) Chamberlain; great-grandsons Dylan and Drew Chamberlain; brother, Marvin (Jan) Eppard of Red Wing, Minnesota; sisters: JoAnn (Richard) Heiser of New Brighton, Minnesota, Phyllis (Ernie) Milbrandt of Northfield, Minnesota, Marlys Glover of St. Charles, Minnesota, and Carol Joyner of Bear Lake, Michigan.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly in 1980; son (Tom); and brother (Ronald).
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the United Methodist Church Racine, Minnesota, with the Rev. Glen Holland officiating. Burial will take place at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning. Phil requested that memorials go to Camp Olson YMCA in Longville, Minnesota. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, at www.griffin-gray.com.