Philip Clare Kiltie

Philip Clare Kiltie was welcomed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on October 14, 2024. Phil was born on May 31, 1934, in Crookston, MN to Clara Hamre and Robert Marshall. Phil never knew his biological father, but instead knew his grandfather, Ole Hamre, as the father figure in his life until he was 8 years old, when the loving man he came to call “Dad”, David Kiltie, came into his life. Phil grew up in Gary, MN, where he enjoyed playing baseball and hanging out with his friends.

After graduating from Gary High School in 1952, Phil decided to follow his mother’s career path as a teacher and attended Moorhead State Teacher’s College in Moorhead, MN. It was there that he first met the love of his life, Jeannine Johnson. Phil had enlisted in the Naval Reserve while in college, so upon graduation he fulfilled the remainder of his enlistment detached with the SeaBees (MCB-11) in Guam. Phil was honorably discharged in 1959. Phil then started his teaching career in Fosston, MN, and rekindled his relationship with Jeannine. Phil and Jeannine were married on June 18, 1961 and started their family in Northfield, MN, where they welcomed a son, James, and daughter, Gail. In 1965, Phil took a teaching position in Alexandria, MN, where a second daughter, Janalyn, was added to the family. Phil taught 6th, and later, 4th grade in District 206 until his retirement in 1991. Phil was a loving and caring father to his family, and was invested in his students, whom he got great joy out of seeing later in their lives and hearing about their successes.

Through the years, Phil and Jeannine were host to several teachers through the American Host program, and in retirement enjoyed travelling through Europe to visit their previous guests. In their retirement, Phil and Jeannine enjoyed summers in Parkers Prairie, MN, and winters in Apache Junction, AZ. Wherever Phil was he always had an impact through his involvement and service to others.

Phil was a loving and caring husband and father. He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara, and his fathers, Robert and David, and stepbrothers Leslie, Wilmer, and Keith Marshall. He is survived by his wife, Jeannine; children, James (Kristine) Kiltie, Gail (Kurt) Duhn, Janalyn (Andrew) Rooney; grandchildren, Ryan Sterton, Kayla Smith, Logan (Hannah) Kiltie, Cameron Kiltie, Devon Kiltie, Tyler Rooney and Christopher Rooney; step-grandchildren Sophie and Wystan Duhn; and great-grandson, Landon Kiltie.

To honor Philip's life, a Visitation will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1204 N Nokomis St, Alexandria, MN 56308 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024 followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip's memory may be made to Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry at MSUM - Minnesota State University Moorehead.