Philip Yeutter

Philip Eugene Yeutter, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home on July 16, 2019 at 10:30 AM surrounded by his sister and brother and niece Janel after a long battle with Cancer.  He was born on November 4, 1936 in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Ethel and Eugene Yeutter.  He moved to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1952 with his siblings and parents when his father purchased the Wilson Bakery located at 512 Broadway and it became known as the “Yeutter Bakery”.   Philip graduated from Central High school in 1954.   Following high school graduation, Philip attended the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.   During his time at the University, Philip was active in the Gopher Marching Band and enjoyed participating in half time shows during Gopher football games.  In addition to studying engineering, Philip simultaneously attended Dunwoody’s education program on Bakery production. After completion of his study at the University of Minnesota, he enlisted in the United States Navy and went through the Officer Candidate School where was commissioned as an Ensign.  He went on to serve his country for 29 years as a commissioned officer.  As a young naval officer, he was enrolled in the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he studied electrical engineering.   Following this, Philip went on to serve as engineering officer on a naval aircraft carrier, a naval cruiser, and as Chief Operating Officer at the Naval repair facility in Manila Philippines as well as many other assignments involving ship repair and maintenance in Southeast Asia.  Throughout his naval career, Philip developed many lifelong friendships with multinational friends in Southeast Asia who shared his common interests of sport diving in the Pacific Ocean, and mountain climbing in the Himalayan Mountains.   He considered these friends to be family and was accepted as such.  He was referred to by some as “Uncle Phil” but he had many other nic-names from others that reflected admiration and friendship.    Philip enjoyed a very adventurous life that included memberships in social groups such as the Hash House Harriers of Singapore Indonesia, and multiple sport diving groups in south east Asia.   Philip retired from the Navy in 1989 at rank of Captain.  Following his retirement, Philip led a quiet life in the Yeutter home on Lake La homme Dieu where he enjoyed living with his Golden Retrievers.  He enjoyed spending time with his siblings, nieces, and nephews and was supportive in their growth and participated with them all in recreational activities such as gardening, cross country skiing, hiking, boating, antiquing, camping, and back yard cook outs.   Philip was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Yeutter, his mother Ethel Yeutter, his older brother, Norman Yeutter, and a younger brother, Charles Yeutter.   He is survived by his Sister Kathryn Yeutter Rossing of Iron River, Wisconsin, and his youngest brother, Alan Yeutter of Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and now cherish the memories they created together.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net