John Philip Keillor

MADISON- John Philip (Phil) Keillor, Jr., age 71, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 after suffering severe injuries in a fall while ice skating with his youngest grandchild. Phil was born on May 26, 1937 in Anoka, Minnesota, the first of six children to John and Grace Keillor. After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Phil married his Swedish bride and love of his life, Ann-Britt Edlund. Phil and Ann-Britt had three children and moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1972 where Phil earned a Masters Degree in Ocean Engineering in 1973 from the University of Wisconsin, making him the first coastal engineer in the state. Phil worked as a coastal engineer for the UW-Sea Grant Program for 29+ years before retiring in 2003. He continued to work as a consultant in his field up until his death and was particularly interested in climate change issues. Phil was a Christian who lived as an example to others and was a longtime member of Arbor Covenant Church in Madison. After one severe winter in which three homeless men died from exposure, Phil and a handful of others started a homeless shelter which later became Transitional Housing Inc., and later still, Porchlight Inc. In addition to serving these organizations as a Board member for over 20 years, Phil was a regular volunteer on the late shift at the homeless shelter where he treated the guests as guests, with dignity and compassion. In addition to his passion for his profession, his abiding faith and his commitment to peace and justice, Phil was above all a family man. He enjoyed long walks with his wife of 49 years and would drop everything to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Phil was an avid sailor and spent many afternoons and evenings sailing on Lake Mendota with family and friends. When the lakes turned to ice, Phil went skating with his children and grandchildren- just like he did on February 15, the day of his injury. After a valiant rehabilitation effort, Phil eventually succumbed to his injuries and left this world surrounded by his family who, while grieving his passing, give thanks for the lives they shared during their time together. Phil is survived by his wife, Ann-Britt Keillor; his son, Douglas (Sheri) Keillor; his daughters, Kristina Keillor and Lisa (Mike) Collins; his beloved grandchildren, Corey, Alex and Lukas Collins, Malina, Emma and Annika Keillor, and Anna Keillor; his mother, Grace Keillor; his sisters, Judy Locke and Linda (Dave) Berg; his brothers, Garrison (Jenny) Keillor, Stanley (Kay) Keillor, and Steven (Margaret) Keillor; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved him. He was preceded in death by his father John (2001). A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at ARBOR COVENANT CHURCH, 2509 McDivitt Road, Madison. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, and again on Wednesday, March 4 at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to Arbor Covenant Church, Porchlight Inc., or Global Development Network.