Elmer John (Philipps) Philipps

Elmer John Philipps, 95, passed peacefully of natural causes on April 15, 2023 with his family around him.

Those who knew Elmer would agree that he was one of the last of the old time ”pillars” of the Conrad community.

Dad was born in 1927 and raised on the family farm south of Conrad.  His parents and uncles were homesteaders from Minnesota and part of the threshing crews that harvested wheat from state to state.

After high school Dad continued farming.  Then in 1950 he met Dina. They would have to delay their wedding, however, because the army drafted first.  So in 1953 after an honorable discharge they were married.

Our parents were married 65 years.  They raised 7 of us on the same farm that Dad was born.  His love of farming never left.  Dad was fortunate to have good health and worked on the farm till his late 80’s.  You could tell he was pleased that two more generations are still farming.

Dad was one of the kindest and happiest people you could ever know.    Always a smile on his face he greeted everyone.  Dad was also the definition of volunteerism in Conrad and with country neighbors.  With his quiet and energetic ways Dad would be available when he could.

A devoted Catholic, Dad attended weekly mass, was a member of The Knights Of Columbus and volunteered for many years to do maintenance at St. Michaels Catholic Church.  In his later years Dad helped modernize the Conrad food pantry as well as serve alongside Mom as board members.  In recent years dad was honored with an award which remains in his name to this day as Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year.

Besides trips to visit us kids he and Mom enjoyed Glacier Park.  Another passion would be fishing. You mention taking the boat to go fishing and he’d be ready sun or snow!

Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Dina; son, Tony; daughter-in-law, Phyllis; sister, Florence; and brother, Harold.

Survivors are his children, Anna (Neil)Young, Joan (John)Cherniga, David (Ann)Philipps, Louise (Scott)Stoner, Jerry Philipps and Donna (Philipps)Tutton. Elmer and Dina were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

“We love you and will always miss you, Dad.  Your gentle ways and patience showed us what it means to be a true Christian. Your harvest work is done, the bins are full. Take care of mom and Tony.

We’ll join you when our chores are through.

All our love and prayers, Your family”

A special thank you to the staff at Logan hospital in Conrad. Your care and understanding helped give Elmer a comfortable environment in his last few years.

Vigil services will be Tuesday, June 6, at 7pm at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held on June 7th at 10:00am at St Michaels Catholic Church in Conrad.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any donations in honor of Elmer to St Michaels Catholic Church of Conrad and/or the Conrad Food Pantry.