Philip Andrew Ilg, age 56

Philip Andrew Ilg, age 56, of New Prague, died accidentally on Saturday morning, June 17, 2017. Phil was born June 8, 1961, in New Prague, to John “Jack” F. and Alyce T. (Malinski) Ilg. He graduated from New Prague High School and the University of Minnesota and Phil worked for U.S. Bank.

Phil and Karin married on December 29, 2001, and daughter Annika (his Sweetpea) arrived on October 27, 2002. The next 15 years were surrounded by each others love. Their Cedar Lake home was open to everyone. All things food was a shared passion with his wife but the real goal was to share the results. Karin and Annika remained loyal to him despite a drive to culinary success, meaning multiple tries at recipes, the need to dive into every detail and the science of the art. His smoked meat was always requested. His perfected French baguette was only enjoyed by a few as his life ended too soon.

Philip attended every event of Annika’s. He helped coach her softball team, beaming with pride when her skills were displayed. Winter meant downhill skiing, where Phil “attempted” to master one or two moguls. He recently picked up the saxophone again, when cajoled by Karin to play as a family in the church band. This extended to playing in the U of M marching alumni band, the only one to wear his marching band uniform.

He loved the outdoors. When needing to stop long distance and marathon running to enjoy this, cycling allowed him to continue to be part of God’s beauty. His life was taken during his annual ride of one mile for each year of his life. He hunted, but the real joy was training Pepper to do what she was bred for. He and his mother shared a love of birds, always calling one another upon some new siting. The Ilg boys incessant desire to need to know how things worked was imbedded in him. He was ready to help family and friends anytime required. He was the favorite uncle. And his life was surrounded by an incredible group of high school friends, who, despite any distance were there for each other. No man could ask for better friends, and these “Knuckleheads” now have a huge gap forever in their lives.

Philip, to my incredible husband who I loved and adored. Our great life together has been cut so terribly short. Your happiness and being sure you knew you deserved it was my goal. Thank you for always being ready for a travel adventure, and open to share this with Annika’s friends. Your generousity, energy, love all allowed me to know anything was possible. You are and forever will be my favorite spot in the world. Please hold that spot for me in heaven, where I know you have been well received.

Phil is survived by his wife, Karin of New Prague; daughter, Annika of New Prague; mother, Alyce Ilg of New Prague; brothers, Peter of New Prague, Paul (& Beth) of Waverly, John (& Mary) of Woodbury, Mark (& Marlys) of Montgomery, Thaddeus “Tad” (& Kim Sherwood) of Skokie, IL; parents-in-law, Marjorie & Richard Johnson of Apple Valley; 8 nieces; 3 nephews; faithful dog, Pepper. He is preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Ilg in 1965.

Visitation will take place Sunday from 4 – 7 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and at 9:30AM at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Apple Valley followed by funeral service at 11AM. Lunch will follow the service in the fellowship hall at church. Being the Bohunk he was from New Prague, burial at St. Wenceslaus will be at a later date, and donations to the New Prague Area Schools Foundation (therootstogrow. org) are requested in lieu of flowers.

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