Phil was a friend whose personality invited conversation. He listened well and shared stories with respect and anecdotes with glee. We were classmates at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. He often said he felt constrained by the hills and trees of Dubuque compared to the wide open prairie of his South Dakota homeland. I was honored to be the photographer at his wedding to Ginny. Phil and I had rich conversations and enjoyed shared meals when we last saw each other in June 2019. I only learned of his death yesterday in the WTS magazine. I mourn today and simultaneously celebrate his life and ministry. Soli Deo Gloria