Phynix Rodel

Phynix Shale Rodel, 22, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 12th in the loving embrace of his family at St Luke’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

Phynix was born on December 3rd, 1997 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Leslie Weekley and Jacob Rodel.  Growing up, he lived in both Grand Forks and Alexandria before moving to Duluth in 2013. Phynix attended Duluth East High School with near perfect grades and during his senior year, he attended the University of MN Duluth Post-Secondary. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 2016. Phynix attended UMD for a couple of years and majored in Biochemistry with hopes of going into the medical research field.

In his free time, Phynix loved snowboarding, camping, and spending time exploring the outdoors up the shore in Duluth. Phynix also had a passion for music and enjoyed going to music festivals and concerts. Phynix’s love of good food, smoothies and sweet tea will be remembered fondly by his family and friends.

Phynix also loved spending time with his family. He looked forward to the yearly family reunions, family camping trips, and spending time with his family in Grand Forks. A couple of Phynix’s most memorable trips were a snowboarding trip to Montana with his dad and a family vacation to Mexico.

While he was living in Duluth, Phynix was employed at Grandma’s Sports Garden and most recently The Hills where he was a youth counselor. Phynix loved working with the kids there and could really relate to the struggles that they were going through.

Although only 22 years old at the time of his death, Phynix affected many people in his lifetime.  He had so many friends that adored him. His infectious laugh, goofy faces, and shenanigans will always be remembered with a smile. He had the kindest heart and would always put friends and family before anything else.

Phynix recently became a dog dad when he adopted his dog Bart from a local animal shelter. Bart was his best friend and never left his side. He has a funny and goofy personality, just like his dad.

Despite his many passions and having a gift of bringing so much love to people around him, deep inside he was suffering in the darkness privately battling a deep inexplicable pain.  Phynix finally succumbed to the silent illness of addiction.  At this time, we must come together, laugh, and embrace for Phynix’s sake.  He would have wanted it that way.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019, from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.