Phil Frandsen

1945 - 2025

Phil Frandsen

1945 - 2025

Queen Creek, AZ-Phil Lund Frandsen, 79, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away on March 9, 2025.

Phil was born on April 17, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ray Peter Frandsen and Erma Mable (Lund) Frandsen. Raised on farms in Clarion and Gunnison, Utah, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for the land. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1963, and shortly after, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. His sense of duty and devotion extended further when, following his military service, he embarked on a 2 1/2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to the Taiwan District of the Southern Far East Mission, where he became fluent in the Mandarin Chinese language and formed a lifelong appreciation for the people of Asia.

Phil's academic journey continued at Snow College and later Brigham Young University, where he earned a degree in History and Asian Studies in 1970. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management, where he received a Master's degree in International Business Administration in 1972.

In June 1969, during a trip to Connecticut, Phil set out to find both a job and a pretty girl. He found the prettiest girl when he met Brenda Mae Post. They were married on December 19, 1969, beginning a love story that would span more than five decades. Together, they raised six beloved daughters: Kristen Mariette (Rich Powell), Carrie Ann (Scott Gunnell), Michelle Lee (Alan Smith), Julie Rae (Logan Smith), Deborah Marguerite (David Feist), and Lisa Marie (Jeron Stonehocker).

Phil's career was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless work ethic. He founded 13 businesses, including one of Arizona's first retail desktop computer stores. His final business venture was Mountain States Software (MSS), a software company specializing in independent insurance agents and brokers. He sold MSS and retired at the age of 49. In retirement, Phil dedicated his time to being a full-time father, grandfather, missionary, adventurer and tinkerer, ensuring he never spent an idle day.

Phil's life was rich in adventure and service. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hiking, and could often be found on an ATV or playing basketball. His passion for sports included everything BYU and the Phoenix Suns. He played basketball until his mid-70s, with his achievements including numerous awards at the World Senior Games. One of his most cherished adventures was a trek to Mount Everest, along with many other notable mountain climbs. His love for life and the outdoors was boundless.

Phil's commitment to serving others was unparalleled. He and Brenda served four senior missions (6 years) in the Kaohsiung Taiwan Mission Office, Taiwan Public Affairs (Taipei Taiwan), Hong Kong Asia Area (Media Specialists), and the Taipei Temple. Phil's commitment to service also extended to his community. He served in multiple church callings, including counselor to three bishops, ward missionary, scoutmaster, temple worker, branch president, and in the prison ministry. Throughout his life, he selflessly donated countless gallons of blood and plasma, offering the gift of life to those in need and leaving behind a legacy of compassion and generosity.

His love for tractors was legendary. For 25 years, Phil collected tractors and became an active participant in the Arizona Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. He served as president, board member, and show chairman, often entertaining his family with the playful motto, "He who dies with the most tractors wins!" Yet, for Phil, the true reward was the relationships he built through his tractor hobby. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, teaching them how to tinker, ride, and admire the machines that brought him so much joy. He was also the President of the Arizona Historical Agricultural Association (AHAA), a 501(c)4 non-profit organization.

Phil was a man who was always there for his family and friends. Whether it was fixing something, offering a solution, or providing wise counsel, Phil was the go-to person for everyone in his life. His generosity, warmth, and willingness to help anyone in need were hallmarks of his character. He loved deeply and never held a grudge.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Erma; his sister, Nila Taylor (Paul); and his brother, Kendall Frandsen (LaReta). He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Post Frandsen; his sister, Norma Overson (Wayne); his six daughters; 24 grandchildren: Scott, Stacey (Zachariah Peterson), Serena, Martin, Brendan, Kendall, Brinlee, Kaden, Dallen, Brayden, Oliver, Miller, Paul, Kaprie, Mason, Lundyn, Penn, Mallory, Lacy, Maxwell Phil, Owen Phil, Jordyn, Amos, and Alden; and two great-grandchildren, Milo and Mazie. Phil was also lovingly known as "Everyone's Grandpa."

Phil Frandsen lived a life full of love, service, adventure, and hard work. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the indelible impact he made on the lives of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 28 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Stake Center) on 21915 East Cloud Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona. Visitation and viewing will be Thursday, March 27 from 6:00-8:00 pm and Friday, March 28 from 9:00-10:30 am. Services will be live-streamed and recorded. Phil will be laid to rest at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms at 22425 East Cloud Road, Queen Creek, Arizona.