Phil Brekken was born January 22, 1952 in Crookston, MN, to Albert and Wanda (Pester) Brekken. He grew up on his family’s farm as one of twelve children. TView posthe competitive nature of his eight brothers shaped his athletic abilities, and they often played sports together when not working on the fields. While in high school, Phil lettered in hockey, football, and baseball. He also participated in choir and served as class president his senior year. He graduated in 1970 from Mount St. Benedict High School in Crookston, MN.
Phil earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Denver in 1974, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from St. Cloud State University in 1975. He was part of the Denver University hockey program while attending college. After an exciting but short-lived attempt to play semi-pro hockey in Europe after college, he landed in Bemidji, MN where he worked for three years as a youth programs leader on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. He then spent much of his career working for the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services as a Director in various roles, working on chemical health policy development, grants, internal audits, and various budget and legislative projects.
Phil was united in marriage to Terri Boucher in Crookston, MN in 1976. After a short time living in Bemidji, MN, they moved to Apple Valley, MN where he became a father to his two daughters, Alissa and Breanna. He loved spending time with his daughters and was very active as both a coach and cheerleader at their various sporting events. He was a supportive father who enjoyed special moments with his family; canoe and paddle boat rides, movie nights by the fireplace, and hours spent together working on puzzles and Scrabble games. His love of sports continued, and he remained active in competing in a men’s hockey league into his middle-aged years. He also became an avid golfer, which became his passion after hockey; he could often be found golfing when not at work and participated in many golf leagues and tournaments throughout the years.
During his empty nest and retirement years, he moved to Cottage Grove, MN. In 2013, he retired after 34 years of service within the Minnesota Health and Human services division. When his golfing days slowed down, he spent time with friends and family and was known to always be up to date on politics and business news. In his free time, he also enjoyed listening to sermons, and he put his hope and faith in Jesus. Despite battling cancer and many extreme health challenges over the last 5 years of his life, he faced his challenges with dignity, courage, and without complaint. And through it all, he never lost his sense of humor.
Phil was friendly, easy-going, and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved a good joke and always had something to laugh about. He had a heart for people and valued friendship and often kept in contact with friends and coworkers he had made throughout the years. He loved his large extended family, and he enjoyed spending any time he could with them. His face would light up when the conversation included his daughters and grandchildren; they were his pride and joy in life.
Phil will be remembered as a proud father and grandfather who loved his family and friends with his whole heart.
Phil is survived by his daughters, Alissa Brekken, Austin, TX; Breanna (Brandon) Murphy, Edina, MN; grandchildren, Hannah and Eleanor Murphy; mother, Wanda Brekken, Crookston, MN; siblings Roger (Edie) Brekken of Emily, MN, Marcie (Pat) McConville of Livonia, MI; Dennis (Bev) of Crookston, MN; David (Shirley) of Birchwood, WI; Greg (Maggie) Brekken, of Sunset Beach, NC; Mark (Jody), Brekken, of Apple Valley, MN; Vince (Marie) of Crookston, MN; Chris (Bob) Olson, of Colorado Springs, CO; Michelle (Elliott) Solheim, of Crookston, MN; sister-in-law Kristie Ricard (Curt), of Crookston, MN; special friend, Sandy Hakos; many nieces and nephews.
Phil is preceded in death by his father, Albert; brothers Curt, Gerald; former spouse, Terri Boucher; grandson, Isaiah Murphy.
A visitation for Philip will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hosanna Church, 9600 163rd Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 2:00 PM, 9600 163rd Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. A burial will occur at Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, MN at a later date.
Contributions in Philip’s memory may be made to Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433 US, www.fmsc.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com/location/richfield for the Brekken family.
