Spokane Valley - Philip Monroe was born September 23, 1945, in Knoxville, Iowa to Hoyt and Catherine Monroe. He spent the first eight years of his life on a small family farm, attending a two-room schoolhouse in Columbia, until moving into the "city" of Knoxville. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1963 intending to attend the Air Force Academy and pursue his love of flying, but since he did not receive an appointment at the Academy, he enrolled in pre-med at the University of Iowa. While on a family vacation to Colorado in undergraduate school he met Janielle Samuelson from Glenwood Springs, and after his freshman year in medical school, they were married on June 16, 1967. After graduation from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1970, Phil and Jan moved to Spokane, Washington for his internship at Deaconess Hospital. After an internship, Phil joined the U.S. Navy, volunteered for Flight Surgeon School in Pensacola, Florida, and then served as the Station Flight Surgeon at NAS Lemoore, California for the next three years. While in the Navy, Phil pursued his love of flying adding commercial, instrument, multi-engine, seaplane, flight instructor, and glider ratings. Last year he was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of accident-free flying. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dr. Phil and Jan moved back to Spokane where he started his private Family Practice in the Valley in 1975. A milestone occurred in Phil's life about three years later when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior allowing Him to guide the rest of his life. He has been an active member of Valley 4th Church since 1981. Dr. Phil retired from medicine on his 70th birthday after serving his patients for 40 years. In retirement, he has enjoyed traveling, windsurfing, flying, skiing, bicycling, pickleball, serving in his church, and cooking Sunday dinners for his family. Phil passed away from metastatic pancreatic cancer on June 2, 2022, at home. He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Jan, and daughters Wendy (Roesler), Kristal (Hayek), Elizabeth (Craciun), and Rebecca (Ormiston) and by their ten grandchildren and by brothers Jim (Sedalia, MO), Steve (Johnston, IA) and Bill (Jefferson, IA) A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm at Valley 4th Church, S. 2303 Bowdish Rd., Spokane Valley on Saturday, June 18. Memorial gifts can be given to Voice of the Martyrs, Union Gospel Mission, or Valley 4th Missions.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Jun. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip MONROE

14 Entries

Paul

February 12, 2024

Just found out. At a loss for words! Saddened to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to all!

Jerry Timboe

April 3, 2023

I was unaware of Dr. Monroe´s passing until today. It was only after reminiscing about one of my favorite early AME´s that I stumbled across the very sad news! I was privileged to have him as a Dr. and to have helped him obtain his CFII rating in 1980. My sincere condolences to his entire family!
Jerry Timboe Pilot/Instructor

Jo Kennedy

November 14, 2022

I am so very sad to see this. I had no idea or I would have been at the service. He was our family's doctor for 39 years. I was happy for him to retire, however I have missed him greatly. I enjoyed seeing him out and would chat as often and as long as I could with him. I've always appreciated him. Condolences to his family.

Glen Volyn

June 24, 2022

I´m so sad to have heard of Phil´s illness, he was a good friend to me and my prayers now go to his much loved family. He was a mentor and all around nice guy, and I miss him.

Wayne Wright

June 18, 2022

Brother Phil, I love you brother and your entire family. Today I dearly miss you but very soon we will be living with our LORD and SAVIOR FOR ALL ETERNITY IN PERFECT LOVE. Working with you in EE and Dare to Share was a true Blessing for Robin and me. Love you forever. Brother Wayne.

Washington State

June 16, 2022

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

Gloria Scofield Westwood

June 12, 2022

Doctor Monroe was my Doctor during the ten years I lived in Spokane Valley.He was a very caring person.May God give his family peace during this difficult time.

Ted and Dian Eller

June 10, 2022

Phil was a friend of 63 years. I have never known a kinder man. Our hearts go out to those he leaves behind.

Mary Schaefer Badger

June 10, 2022

Phil was one of my partners at Columbia Medical Associates. He was always caring and helpful, not only to patients but to his colleagues as well. My thought are with you at this difficult time.

Christine King Thomas

June 9, 2022

Phil was a friend and classmate. I have so many good memories of time spent with him at the Rexall Drug in Knoxville, high school and Iowa City. Rest In Peace Phil.

Marcia Green

June 9, 2022

I am brokenhearted to read of Dr. Phil's passing. He was my doctor beginning in 1976 until his retirement. Always caring, competent and great fun. He treated the whole patient, including their emotional well being. He softly walked his faith. He was just the best human.
My condolences to his family on their loss.

Marcia Green

Ray & Nancy Paulson

June 9, 2022

We have wonderful memories of Phil and your family at Valley 4th. We are praying God's comfort for you.

Larry and Jan Goemaat

June 9, 2022

Our love and sympathies to the entire family.

Mary Vietmeier Shotwell

June 9, 2022

My heart goes out to all of Phil´s family, especially his brothers Bill and Steve. Growing up in Knoxville, I remember the family well. Phil was a very bright, talented guy who obviously created a wonderful life for himself and his family.

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