Small Town News

Philip L. Chamberlain

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Philip L. Chamberlain, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at his home in Cottonwood, AZ.

Phil was born Dec. 11, 1927 on a farm in Hamilton, MN, 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, MN married in Stewartville, and resided in San Francisco for the remainder of his enlistment, and in Austin, MN 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, MN; daughter, Cindy (Jim) Scott of Rochester, MN; grandsons, Cody (Ashley) Chamberlain, Kyle (Kristi) Chamberlain; great grandsons, Dylan and Drew Chamberlain; brother, Marvin 0an Eppard of Red Wing, MN; sisters, JoAnn (Richard) Heiser of New Brighton, MN; Phyllis (Ernie) Milbrandt of Northfield, MN; Marlys Glover of St. Charles, MN and Carol Joyner of Bear Lake, ML Phil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly in 1980; son, (Tom) and brother, (Ronald).

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ with Rev. George Ault officiating. A second service will take place in June in Minnesota, followed by burial at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine. Phil requested that memorials go to Camp Olson YMCA, Longville, MN.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. www.griffingray.com.



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