Phillip James Eide

Phillip James EideDec. 31, 1945 - June 21, 2025
Phillip Eide, age 79, passed away on June 21, 2025. Born on Dec. 31, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN, Phil lived a life defined by family, adventure, humor, and generosity.
The youngest of eight, he always had a close relationship with his siblings. If you were lucky, he would regale you with stories of the many mishaps and adventures that came with growing up in their small home on 37th Ave. Phil attended the University of Minnesota, where he met his future wife, Sheila Ryan, while working in food service. Phil and Sheila were married on March 22, 1968. Their first daughter, Heather, was born in 1970 while Phil was stationed at Fort Bragg after being drafted into the Army. He was later sent to South Korea, where Sheila and Heather eventually joined him for six months.
Following his time in the Army, Phil attended law school at the University of Minnesota. His elementary teachers would probably have been surprised at how he thrived in law school, graduating Magna Cum Laude, having finally found something that truly interested him. This sparked a zeal for lifelong learning in both his professional and personal life. In 1974, Phil accepted a job with Ely, Guess and Rudd in Anchorage, AK, and headed north with Sheila and Heather-a truly defining moment for his family. After a brief stay in Eagle River, they settled in the Turnagain neighborhood in Anchorage, where they lived from 1975 to 2009 and welcomed daughters Laura (1976) and Catherine (1979).
Phil enjoyed a long and prosperous legal career as a respected trial lawyer in Anchorage. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he spent the summer of 1983 in London on sabbatical, studying under a barrister and bringing his young family along for the (mis)adventure. In 1992, he started his own law practice with partner Jack Miller. For many summers, Phil biked to and from work along the scenic coastal trail in Anchorage. After retiring in 2009, Phil and Sheila returned to the Twin Cities in Minnesota to be closer to siblings and extended family. Even in retirement, Phil stayed busy doing meaningful work. He continued to practice law by taking on pro bono asylum cases. As noted by his good friend and colleague, Dan Rodgers, "he had a heart for the underdog and the legal skills to help them."
Beyond his professional life, Phil and Sheila embraced a spirit of adventure. With little extended family nearby in Alaska, they spent weekends exploring, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and participating in everything Alaska had to offer. One of the life lessons Phil instilled in his family was that you are capable of anything and should embrace new adventures-careful preparation or experience not required!
Phil and Sheila's love for travel extended beyond Alaska. They took numerous family trips across the US and abroad; favorite destinations included Hawaii, England, and Minnesota. Phil encouraged his daughters to study abroad and made sure to visit them on location. Later in life, Phil and Sheila enjoyed cruises with friends and visited many countries, exploring diverse cultures and making lifelong memories while traveling to six of the seven continents. Somewhere along the way, it became Phil's "thing" to collect decorative spoons from each destination. These adventures (and spoons) were a testament to his zest for life and deep bond with Sheila, enriching their lives and broadening their horizons. In later years, much of their travel was to visit their children and grandchildren in Anchorage, Seattle, and Chicago - supporting and attending their various activities such as dance, music, and sports. He always wanted to hear the latest news and stories about every grandchild, notoriously having a knack for calling at the most inopportune time.
Phil was an avid reader, excelled at trivia, enjoyed telling jokes and stories, and loved music-especially show tunes. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Anchorage, including a term as president. When Laura and Catherine began playing soccer, he recognized a need for referees and stepped in, officiating youth soccer for many years. He even drafted the constitution and bylaws of the Anchorage Referee Association. He took on the official role of Santa Claus for many organizations and events. In his later years, he was often mistaken for Santa Claus by children wherever he went, even when he wasn't wearing a Santa suit.
Phil played percussion in high school and, 40 years later, picked up his drumsticks again to play in the Front Row Seats Band for multiple events, including parades and University of Alaska Anchorage basketball games, and the Anchorage Community Concert Band. After moving to Minnesota, he joined the Northern Winds Concert Band, playing in his last concert on June 8, 2025. During the last three summers, he also traveled to small towns throughout Minnesota, playing percussion on the Shrine band float in local parades.
Throughout his life, Phil had many interests. He enjoyed a good game of golf, poker nights with high school friends, doing the New York Times crossword puzzle, and watching a good British mystery. He took up hunting with his friends, defying the odds many times in his life, including coming face-to-face with a Kodiak brown bear while hunting deer and being chased by elephants on safari in Africa. Phil was a loyal and faithful friend to countless people he met over his adventurous 79 years. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thorlief and Margaret (Olsen) Eide; sisters, Peggy and Norma; and brother, Richard. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; daughters Heather (Marc), Laura, and Catherine (John); grandchildren Sarah, Mia, Nolan, Cameron, Julian, and Maisie; brother, Paul; sisters, Ginny, Mary, and Kathy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is planned for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Everyone is encouraged to wear bright colors or Hawaiian shirts to celebrate Phil's fun nature and love of Hawaii (and the shirts). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice that focuses on helping others in need.
A livestream of the 11:00 am service on July 30 can be watched at: http://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/phillip-eide/. Interment service will be Thursday, July 31 at 12:30 PM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Phil's family would love to hear your favorite stories or memories of him. There will an opportunity for those to share their stories via video during the luncheon. If you would like to share before or after the celebration of life, there is an opportunity to share on the Tribute Wall or Photos and Videos tab of this site.