Philip A. Stoltenberg, 93, of Spring Valley, Minn., took his last steps to his eternal home with God on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Mayo Clinic- St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn.
Philip Arnold Stoltenberg was born June 5, 1928, to Fred and Myrtie (Lehman) Stoltenberg. On February 8, 1947, he was united in marriage to Laura Haack in Stewartville, Minn., where they lived until moving to the Grand Meadow area where Philip farmed all his life. While farming, he worked for Les Ward and Kenny Isenberg at John Deere Implement in Spring Valley. He also did custom farming, combining, and custom digging with his backhoe. He adored antique tractors, especially John Deere. He also loved to fly and owned his own airplane. Philip spent many hours in his shop inventing a number of pieces of equipment over the years. He was a lifetime member of First English Lutheran Church, where he held several offices.
Philip is survived by his children Darlene (Gene) Merkel of Spring Valley, Kathy (Steve) Bernard of Kennewick, Wash., Kim (Pam) Stoltenberg of Stewartville, Minn., and Lynne Stoltenberg of Pine Island, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and brother Arnie (Cynthia) Stoltenberg of Anchorage, Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Laura in 2015, son Daryl in 1994, grandson Trenton Merkel in 2018, one sister, Elaine; and two brothers, Clarence and Gene.
Funeral services for Philip will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at First English Lutheran Church, with Pastor Loel Wessel officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20 at Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
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