Richard Keith "Dick" PHILSTROM

1944 - 2021

WØTLE Age 76 Dick was called home to the Lord May 8, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Russell and Evelyn Philstrom; brother, Bruce "Buck" Philstrom and sister-in-law, Linda Philstrom. Survived by wife, Cheryl; brothers, Russell Philstrom (Ginny), Thomas Philstrom (Charlee), many other relatives and friends. Born December 2, 1944 in North Minneapolis. As a teenager, Dick was the youngest member of the MN Aquarium Society – his favorite breed was cichlids. He graduated from Minneapolis Vo-Tech School in Electronics and Brown Institute in Industrial Electronics and Electronic Communications. Dick's Navy service April 5, 1966-July 1, 1970 included fond memories at the USNAVCOMMSTA on the remote and rugged North West Cape of Western Australia. His final duty was on the USS Fechteler. He met Cheryl Scott at their employer, Electronic Center, where he was purchasing manager and they married Nov. 10, 1979. Dick bought ECI's ham radio department and formed Midwest Amateur Radio Supply. In 1984 he began exciting work at ETA Systems, followed by Supercomputer Systems in 1989, and after its closure, Dick joined Medtronic's Pacemaker and Defibrillator Product Group where he retired in 2007. Amateur radio was a lifelong passion. First licensed in 1965 as WNØNHL, then KBØNR, and finally WØTLE (mentor Ward Jensen's retired call sign). Active on 160mtrs through the microwave bands, Life Member of ARRL and Central States VHF Society and 10-10 international club. Charter Member of Handi Hams organization. Member of Northern Lights Radio Society, QCWA National and Chapter 8, MN Wireless Assn., Dick loved contesting, operating RTTY and the new digital modes. Having worked all states, continents and 300+ countries, in 2020 he celebrated his 55th year of being licensed. Other interests were playing the organ, winning MN State Fair awards with his Oberhasli goats, and sharing ancestral photos on social media. Molly, Dick and Cheryl's English Springer Spaniel rescue was the canine love of his life. A celebration of Dick's life will take place 1 p.m. July 17 at VFW Post 4210, Forest Lake, MN. Family burial at Union Cemetery, Cambridge the following week. Memorials preferred to English Springer Rescue America or Courage Kenny Handiham Program.