Philip “Phil” Clennon, age 45 of Springfield, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5th at his home surrounded by the prayer, presence, and love of his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield, Minnesota with burial to follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
Philip Mark Clennon was born to Mark and Beverly (Gerber) Clennon on May 28th, 1976. He grew up in Wells, and later Springfield, MN, where he graduated from Springfield Public High School in 1994. During high school, Phil demonstrated his incredible athletic talent in football and baseball, with that talent especially shining on the baseball diamond. As a baseball player, Phil himself was like a rare gem- with iconic ability that produced a legendary career, and some of his families’, friends’, and the communities’ fondest memories. Following high school, Phil attended Iowa Lake Community College and later Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota where he continued his baseball career and earned his bachelor’s degree. Following graduation, Phil worked as a field technician for Minnesota Valley Testing Labs and later as a machinist for Douglas Machines in Alexandria, MN. Phil loved to hunt and fish and found great enjoyment in music and comedy shows. He was a talented cook and occasionally gave Martha Stewart a run for her money with his family famous chicken clam chowder, noodle salads, and homemade taco egg-rolls. He was quick witted with a lovely sense of humor and was the king of one-liners. The greatest of his joy came with the arrival of his two beautiful girls. Phil was the proud father of Madisen and Hannah, who shone as the light of his life and made him deeply proud. phil was a gentle, kind, and beloved soul. Phil cherished his family with the entirety of his heart and held dear every moment they shared. The light that was his soul, traveled through many expeditions of tribulation. He came with the agreement of sacrifice to teach us all patience, resilience, strength, acceptance, and faith. His journey’s light and all the lessons from it glitters in our lives. He will forever be cherished, missed, and profoundly loved. Blessed be his memory.
Philip is survived by his daughters, Madisen Clennon of Duluth and Hannah Clennon of Marshall (mother of his daughters, Jamie Steffl); his parents, Mark and Beverly Clennon of Springfield; sister, Megan (Harmon) Quesenberry of Springfield; sister-in-law, Karina Clennon of Mankato; nieces and nephews, Tori Hill, Kate Quesenberry, Rachel Clennon, Ellie Clennon, Kyle Quesenberry, Grace Clennon, Jacob Clennon, and Samuel Clennon. Phil was preceded in death by his brother, Alan Clennon; Grandparents, Ralph and Donna Gerber, Art and Delores Clennon; uncles, William Clennon, Timothy Clennon, and Bob Cummings; and cousins, Kristi Erickson, David Clennon, and Gina Clennon.