Philip John Kotchevar, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2019, surrounded by family. He was a resident of Prior Lake, MN.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, June 6 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 10 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Philip’s grandchildren will act as urn bearers. He will be laid to rest at a private family interment at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery. Memorial are preferred and will be distributed in Phil’s memory by the family.
Phil was born on July 31, 1929, in Ely, MN to John and Vera (Brabender) Kotchevar. While residing in Ely, he developed a passion for hunting and fishing. Phil served in the United States Army, during the Korean War. After serving, he married his first wife, Delores (Gerdesmeier) and they raised two children, Kevin and Shelley. After the death of Delores, Phil married Marlene “Pat” Shimek and welcomed her children, Patty and Betsy into his life.
Phil lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family, music, dancing, traveling, lake living, a simple walk in the woods or on a Florida beach. Phil’s children and grandchildren enjoyed the many summers at the cabin in Ely, MN. Young at heart, he continued to participate in fitness classes, at the Prior Lake YMCA, until the end of his life.
Philip will be forever missed and forever loved by children, Kevin (Sue) Kotchevar, Shelley (Peter) Dery, Patty (Dan) O’Neil, Betsy (Cliff) Kirchner; grandchildren, Jason (Ana) Kotchevar, Justin (Amy) Kotchevar, Cortney (Matt) Coutu, Tanner Dery, Rob (Jen) Fogel; great-grandchildren, Isabelle Coutu, Havyn Coutu, Macy Kotchevar, Jack Kotchevar, Dylan Fogel; sister, Jean Erckenbrack; other relatives and friends.
There to welcome Philip home is his wife of 14 years, Delores Kotchevar and second wife of 49 years, Marlene “Pat” Kotchevar; parents, John and Vera Kotchevar and brother-in-law, Jim Erckenbrack.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Kotchevar family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
