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Philip N. Oja

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Philip Oja Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 18, 2004.

Philip N. Oja, formerly of Boyd Ave., died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at Fairview Medical Center, in Minneapolis. Philip was born May 25, 1937 to Arvo and Mabel Oja. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1955. He worked for DM & IR Railroad as an electrician for 35 years before retiring in 1995. Philip married Carol Sandberg in 1970. He was a loving father, husband, and grandfather, whos first priority was always his family. He spent his retirement traveling with Carol and enjoying family & friends at their cabin. He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Melissa, who was the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife Carol of 34 years, two sons, Glenn & Matthew, and his granddaughter Melissa Kalm. SERVICE:11 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 21, at Elim Lutheran Church on Cody St.

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Recent Activity

January 20, 2004

David Gravelle posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2004

Dawn Marie Hamilton, Tom Hamilton Jr. posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2004

Shane Sobczak posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

David Gravelle

January 20, 2004

It's been 30 years since we've been together in friendship. Distance is always a bridge. But I remember the fine times we had together in the '60's with so many good friends from Denfield and the West End. Sorry to hear of your passing and I know you're in a better place. The problem is always with the family and friends you leave behind.

Dave and Sandy Gravelle

Dawn Marie Hamilton, Tom Hamilton Jr.

January 18, 2004

Glen,

Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your families.

Shane Sobczak

January 18, 2004

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I do it for the family, Matt, my best childhood friend, Glenn, my first childhood friend, and Carol, my adoptive mother. My sincere condolences go out to them. I take solace in the reason that my heart feels so low is because knowing Philip lifted it that much higher. I can’t count or remember the number times I walked from my Smithville house to the Oja’s. I do, however, remember the last time I made the short jaunt. I returned back to Duluth to spend Christmas with my family after an eight year absence. Late Christmas Eve, I thought of the Oja’s. I called to see if they were still celebrating. Sure enough at 10:30pm they were up and celebrating. My mother and I went up to visit. I think God had a hand in my thoughts and actions that night. I had a chance to visit, reminisce, celebrate, and even take some photographs with the family. I had a chance to refresh my joyful thoughts and feelings that I have of Philip and the family. I thank God for those chances. I am who I am, in part, because I grew up with this family and I can’t help to feel that part of my family is now gone. Smithville certainly lost its father, Philip Oja.

Dick Negard

January 18, 2004

I am shocked that this happened after talking to Phil a couple weeks ago and he told me he was doing great. I am glad I got to talk to him but I feel really, really bad. I'm so sorry. Growing up across the street, we spent many years as friends.

Dick Negard