Phillip W. “Phil” Anshus
Phillip W. “Phil” Anshus, age 76 of Virginia died Monday, November 15, 2010 in the Virginia Regional Medical Center. He was born July 25, 1934 in International Falls, MN the son of Orleon and Alice (Johnson) Anshus. The family lived on the Nett Lake Reservation where his parents were employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, managing the U.S. Government Store and Post Office. In 1943 they moved to Virginia when Phil’s mother accepted a teaching position in Mt. Iron. Phil was a graduate of the Virginia High School in 1953; and served in the National Guard & US Marine Corp from 1953-1956. He married Eleanor M. Koskela on August 29, 1964 at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minnesota; and was a truck driver for Century Motor Freight for 40 years, retiring in 1992. Phil and Eleanor established and operated the Orr General Store from 1984-1999 in Orr, Minnesota. He was a member of the Pratt-Volden-Mickelson-Anderson American Legion Post #239 in Virginia, Past Commander of American Legion Post #480 of Orr, a 44year member of Virginia Elks Club #1003, and member of Teamsters Union #346 of Duluth. Phil enjoyed collecting antique vehicles, their cabin on Kabetogama, boat trips, travel, blues music, caring for animals, creating photographic history and visiting with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife: Eleanor of 46 years; sister: Roberta (John) Lund of Hibbing, MN, sons: Steven (Lori) Anshus of Ham Lake, MN, Larry (Jane) Mattson of West St. Paul, MN; daughter: Judy (Rich) Topp of Aitkin, MN; grandchildren: Susie, Noelle, Ben, Willy, Michael, Chance; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Shirley (Bob) Wilson of Tucson, AZ, Georgene (Mark) Tomazin of Virginia; and Jan (Ranem) Koskela of Hallock, MN; nieces and nephews; his constant canine companion: Greta; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: George and Melita Koskela; and brother-in-law: Robert Koskela.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Friday, November 19, 2010 from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. Memorial Service in Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia.Memorials are preferred.Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share personal condolences online, see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
