Philip Joseph Sawa

Philip Joseph Sawa November 24, 1959 – June 19, 2025
Philip Joseph Sawa passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by his closest family, in the Sawa family's 'North Branch' of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Born in Hamtramck, Michigan to Cecelia (née Zabinski) and Joseph Sawa, Phil lived a life defined by humor, hard work, and deep love for his family.
He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Kathryn (née Stubenrouch), his daughters Rachel (Philip Presnell) and Kendall (Patrick Van Ort), his brother Chris (Ann), and his five beloved grandchildren - Philly, Paddy, Palmer, Mac, and Nico - who knew him fondly as "Jaju." Phil is also deeply loved by his cousins and extended family, including Kathy's parents, Ruth and Randy.
Phil found joy in the everyday - cooking meals for his family, offering toasts that blended humor and heart, and mixing his famous Baileys cocktails each Christmas. He was quick with a joke, steady in a crisis, and deeply committed to his family.
Phil was a trusted friend, role model, and mentor to many - including his Delta Sigma Pi fraternity brothers at Ferris State University, who said he "set the bar for steady, thoughtful leadership" and showed them "what brotherhood truly means."
He will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and the love he poured into every role he played - husband, dad, Jaju, and friend. His presence will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the family and traditions he helped create.
A service will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Community (4125 Woodbury Drive) in Woodbury, MN, on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge at 411 Second Street NW, Rochester MN 55901.
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