Philip Edward Peltier, (Phil, Frenchy, Pun) age 91 was born August 11, 1930 and passed away in comfort on December 31, 2021 after a long exceptionally, well lived life. Phil was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Audrey; And 5 children they raised together, Thomas (Anne Marie), Susan (Robert) Floum, Richard (Denise Taylor), Kay (Rich) Youngblom and John (Kelly); 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Jo Ann); also, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Phil was born at Ancker Hospital in Saint Paul, MN. He was the son of Philip Adrian and Demerise Helen Peltier (Proulx). They raised he and his 6 siblings in a small home adjacent to the Mississippi River on Water Street, below the Smith Avenue bridge, near the mushroom caves. He learned much about shared chores, hunting, survival, hard work, swimming, and disciplines in his growing years. He attended Saint Matthews grade school and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1948. Philip was a US Army Korean War Veteran. After high school, he enlisted during the war and served at Fort Riley Kansas. He served for three years and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He had great respect for God, faith and country. His diary written during the service conveyed much of his commitment to his faith. After the war, he met the “Love of his life”, Audrey Staudacher. Phil crashed a party and saw Audrey in the kitchen. He approached her, and told her he was going to marry her. She said, “No way!!!”. After many persistent phone calls requesting a date from Phil, she finally said,” yes”. The rest is history!!! In addition to pursuing a wife and working, Phil completed various business courses which set him on course for a successful career in Retail and Direct sales of carpet and furniture. Along the way, he had several mentors whom Phil respected greatly and spoke highly of often. He was eternally grateful to them. He in turn, duplicated that role for many others. We, his family cannot begin to name those of you mentors, but you know who you are. Phil loved his work and He achieved many awards for top salesman year after year. He was determined to meet or beat his goals, always. He worked at 3M, Dayton‘s, Gabbert‘s, Curley furniture, and, “ so on and so forth“. In addition to retail sales which he enjoyed, he became a successful Sales Representative for Trend Mills, Horizon Carpet Mills, Shaheen and Best Buy Carpet Mills. He loved his work and the people with whom he worked. He was best friends with some of the legends working in the floor covering industry in the US. Every client was treated like a friend and he made dozens of connections for life. He attempted to try retirement for about two weeks but couldn’t take it. He continued in carpet sales until his mid 80’s. When not selling, he loved vacationing with his wife Audrey and friends. Dinner at the Cherokee Sirloin Room and Parker House was a popular stop. He enjoyed music especially if a sing-a-long. Dean Martin was a favorite and the big band style music kept his feet moving on the dance floor. He and Audrey also enjoyed many years at their lake home on Rush Lake. He always made hunting geese, duck, and deer a priority. There was never a fishing season missed! He loved the hunt or the catch and the organizing of the day or the trip. Eating the fresh fish or game was the pleasure of all to savor his cooking or grilling expertise. He loved golf with his buddies and a round with a son or grandson, too! Later, he volunteered at the VA and participated in delivering Meals On Wheels. In addition, he took up woodworking and canvas painting. Phil made uniquely crafted bird houses, signs with valued messages, beautiful yard décor, mosquito houses, wooden tulips, rooster folk art and many other detailed works of art. A brief summary, Phil had non-stop energy. Always had a project going or many in the works! In addition to his own projects, he was readily available and happy to help others with theirs. He was organized with checklists and to do lists. Dependable always. On time always. Responsibly and meticulously cared for all he worked hard for and owned. He may have been gone often working, hunting and fishing but we all knew we could depend on him to be there if we needed him. He had a great laugh and contagious smile!! He could dish it out as well as he could take it. A great story teller at times with a little help of embellishment!!! If he ever asked, “Did I ever tell you about the time….?” You had better leave the room or be ready to listen to a fishing or hunting story. Unbeknown to most of his family, Phil read his bible most days and typed out many note cards to remind him of the lessons the Lord was teaching him. We would like to share one of those with you:
“God Is interested in my problem.
Ask the Father to help. God is greater than my problems.
Father walk me through this problem.
Help me to trust you, not my thinking but your thinking. Take if you will
All fear and doubt out of my mind.
Forgive me for all the times that I did it my way.”
Many thanks to his caregivers at the Memory care unit whom treated him with special love and respect!!
Also, the family cannot express our appreciation for the outstanding care Phil received at the VA hospital in Minneapolis. They have gone over and beyond to excel from the person answering the phone, the volunteers, aides, nurses and doctors. Thank you!
Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday, January 14th at the Church of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So Robert Trail, Eagan and can be viewed via livestream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7047763327. Visitation 4-7pm Thursday, Jan. 13 at Roberts Funeral Home 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Also 10-11am prior to Mass at Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials to Caring and Sharing Hands https://sharingandcaringhands.org/ or MaryKnoll Missionaries-Father John J. Lange https://www.maryknoll.org/.