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Philip M. Dwight
1941 - 2016
Philip M. Dwight
1941 - 2016
Obituary
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Philip Dwight Obituary
September 5, 1941- September 8, 2016
Philip (Phil) Martin Dwight passed away peacefully on September 8, 2016 at the Maple Crest Care Center in Omaha, NE due to complications of Alzheimers. Preceded in death by parents, Marie and Ward Dwight, sister, Virginia (Ginnie) Vannurden, and grandson, Charlie Bomar. Phil married Patricia Honaker-Haigh and together they had five children. In 1975, Phil married Jeanne Hansen Kiesz, adding a step-son and together, they had one child.
Phil was born on September 5, 1941 in Fargo, ND. His family moved to Austin, MN when Phil was 6. He attended his elementary school years in Austin. The family then moved to Great Falls, MT where Phil would graduate from high school in 1959. While in high school, he played basketball and ran track. He then attended the University of Montana on a track scholarship. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in Sociology. He followed his dream to teach and coach. He did this in Montana and Canada. He attended the University of Minnesota at Mankato and earned a master's degree in Sociology. He was offered a position to teach sociology at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. He taught there from 1969-1987.
Phil and Jeanne moved to Lincoln, NE in 1987 for both of them to pursue advanced degrees. While in Nebraska, Phil taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Phil is survived by his wife, Jeanne of LaVista, NE and his children: Kori (Donel) Lemler, Phil (Crystal) Dwight, Janice Allen, Jamie (Tony) Portra, and Barry Kiesz, all of Aberdeen, SD. Kris Christenson of Britton, SD and Eric (Angela) Dwight of Omaha, NE; his brother Paul (Patty) Dwight of Missoula, MT; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Phil will be cremated following his funeral on September 17, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary in Papillion, NE.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Connie Swarthout
October 3, 2016
My parents, Herb and Marian Baker, became friends with Phils parents in Fargo. My older brothers are same ages as Phil and Ginny. I loved listening to the stories from that time. After college, in the early 70's, I worked in Owatonna. Ward and Marie treated me like another daughter. Sadly,I had lost contact over the years. So sorry for Phil's family. May he Rest In Peace.
Gary Gallaher
September 15, 2016
September 15, 2016
To the family of Phil Dwight,
I am so sorry to hear that Phil has passed away. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Phil and I went to High School together in Great Falls, MT, class of 1959.
I'm sure Phil was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. To reinforce for the younger generation their knowledge of a part of his history as an outstanding athlete and a special human being, I would like to share my experiences with Phil.
I can't say we were close friends. He may not have even remembered me, but we were on the track team together for 3 years. Phil's attitude toward those of us less talented during that time has had a profound effect on my life. I have thought about Phil quite a bit in recent years and really regret not making a concerted effort to locate him. Now it is too late. That is another lesson learned for me. Late or not, I would like to write the letter to Phil which I should have written several years ago.
Dear Phil,
You may not remember me, but I ran with you on the GFHS Track Team. You were our top runner in the mile and half mile runs. I was at the other end of the list. You would run the 4 laps for the mile in the time it took me to run 3. Many winners would not pay any attention to the rest of the field. You were different. Even though I was in last place, you would be along the edge of the track enthusiastically encouraging me on to the finish line, never quit. I can picture it clearly.
Twenty years after high school I started running (jogging?) again. When I would get tired and think about quitting, the image of you encouraging me on would keep me going. I was never great, but over the next 30+ years I was able to keep running, including a couple of marathons and many other long distance runs. It has been an important part of my life. Thank you for your encouragement all those many years ago. I wish I had written this letter earlier.
Gary
The attitude goes far beyond athletics. Encouraging and helping others makes life better for all of us. Phil was a prime example of that for me. I'm sure he would want that feeling to continue through the following generations. Feel free to share this with others. I feel it is important for children to know about their heritage.
Gary Gallaher
19 Valley Dr., Orinda, CA 94563
[email protected]
Jenny Hawk-Heirigs
September 15, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dwight was my sociology professor at Northern in 1985-86. He was the reason I added sociology as another major! He was such a good teacher and his lectures captured my attention and interest. I am very grateful for his inspiration!
Melinda Miller
September 14, 2016
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. It is never easy to lose a loved one. Phil always had insight to share, and I'm sure he would have just the right words to say. Thinking about you . . .
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Jerry Rosonke
September 14, 2016
My condolences to you on the passing of Phil. He was teaching at Northern Stare when I arrived to teach there in 1974. He was an excellent, knowledgeable, popular teacher. I would have students in my classes comment on his lectures, especially in his Sociology and the Family class. I was hoping he would return after finishing his PhD. I remember getting together with Phil and Jeanne in Brentford and in Mellette, SD when you lived here. Good Memories. Jerry and Malee Rosonke, Mansfield, SD
September 13, 2016
Jeanne,
We are so sorry to read the death of your husband. We are thinking of you and your family during this sad time.
Criss & Shirley Scriver
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
441 North Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046-2231
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