Philip "Phil" Martin Christensen was born on August 22, 1930 in Virginia MN to Colburn and Josephine (Lorbecki) Christensen. Phil passed away peacefully at his home on Friday November 12, 2021.

Phil attended Orr High School and graduated in 1948. After high school, Phil held several jobs over the years, working at the paper mill in International Falls, the Mines in Virginia, and the Canadian National Railroad. Phil served on the National Guard, was an EMT, and also worked for the Border Patrol at the Mexican Border. For 27 years he served as a lineman for the Rural Electric Association as well as a policeman for the City of Orr and Cook for many years. Phil and Barbara were married on November 19, 1977 in Orr. In 1980 Phil and Barbara purchased the Orr Café and they ran the business for 2 years. Phil was a member of the Leiding Township Board for 20 years, retiring in 2016. Phil was a long-time member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, while also serving on the church's parish council, as a eucharist minister, and as a lector.

Throughout the years Phil enjoyed working as a gunsmith, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved reading, watching shows about bigfoot, and traveling- especially to bluegrass festivals and gold mining in South America near the Amazon River. He cherished taking rides out to his shack on the four-wheeler, loved playing music, and was well known for his dobro skills. Phil treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially his birthday buddy Maverick Wright.

Phil is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara (Annen) Christensen. Siblings Danny (Debbie) Christensen, and Elaine (Christensen) Granholm. Children: Michael (Sandra) Christensen, Kathie (Michael) Hanson, Mary Lohn, Patrick (Anne) Christensen, and Annie (Dane) Frances. Step-children: Scott (Angela) Wright, and Sean Wright. Along with numerous special grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Philip is preceded into death by his parents Colburn and Josephine Christensen, three sisters: Bernice Christensen, Dorothy Jackson, Agnes "Aggie" Benko, son Joseph "Joe" Christensen, stepson Wesley Wright, granddaughter Kristen Gustafson, and grandson Alex Cook.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 1:00PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Orr, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served after Mass. Interment will be at the Orr Cemetery. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com