HEILMAN-PHILLIPS, Brenda

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Brenda Heilman Phillips passed away Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, in her home in Lake Havasu City. She was born in Howard Lake, Minn., on July 30th, 1955 to Wilton and Phyllis (Jones) Birkholz. Brenda graduated from Howard Lake High School and moved to Hutchinson where she gained employment at 3M Company. She worked there for several years and made many loyal friendships along the way. During this time Brenda met her first husband Richard B. Heilman. They were married the summer of 1982 and this union was blessed with two children, Lindsey and Ryan. Following seven years of marriage Richard passed away unexpectedly. Not long after Brenda, resumed her education by attending Ridgewater College enrolling in the Accounting program. Upon earning her Associates Degree, Brenda became employed with the State of Minnesota, at the Department of Corrections. Eventually transferring into the college system and finding her favorite job in the registration office back at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson. Brenda met David J. Phillips in the fall of 1992 and they were united in marriage on July 7, 1993. Brenda, Lindsey and Ryan along with David, his 2 children James and Claire became a family and lived together in Hutchinson for many years. During this time Brenda and her family enjoyed every summer in Crosslake, Minn., where she loved boating, hanging out at the campfire and the company of her many friends and family. In 2007, after many years of continuing health issues, Brenda and David decided to fulfill a long time dream of moving south to a warmer climate. They decided on beautiful Lake Havasu City and in August of that year they purchased a home and made the move. Brenda and David enjoyed each other and their surroundings until Brenda’s health declined and she required a lengthy hospital stay. Brenda was able to return to her home in Lake Havasu City where she comfortably spent the last two weeks with close family and friends. Brenda’s strength of spirit, eternal optimism, and smile touched everyone who met her. She will be missed more than any words can express. Brenda is survived by her husband, David; sons, Ryan Heilman and James Phillips; daughters, Lindsey (Greg) Wendorff, and Claire Phillips; her mother, Phyllis; sister, Cindy; and brother, Brad. Preceding her in death were her first husband and her father Wilton Birkholz. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday at Faith Luthern Church in Hutchinson, Minn., with a service at 10 a.m. and visitation starting at 9 a.m. An internment service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Crosslake, Minn., with Father Michael Patullo, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Crosslake. Arrangements were entrusted to Lake Havasu Mortuary & Crematory. Your thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com