Philip M. Dwight

September 5, 1941- September 8, 2016

Philip (Phil) Martin Dwight passed away peacefully on September 8, 2016 at the Maple Crest Care Center in Omaha, NE due to complications of Alzheimers. Preceded in death by parents, Marie and Ward Dwight, sister, Virginia (Ginnie) Vannurden, and grandson, Charlie Bomar. Phil married Patricia Honaker-Haigh and together they had five children. In 1975, Phil married Jeanne Hansen Kiesz, adding a step-son and together, they had one child.

Phil was born on September 5, 1941 in Fargo, ND. His family moved to Austin, MN when Phil was 6. He attended his elementary school years in Austin. The family then moved to Great Falls, MT where Phil would graduate from high school in 1959. While in high school, he played basketball and ran track. He then attended the University of Montana on a track scholarship. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in Sociology. He followed his dream to teach and coach. He did this in Montana and Canada. He attended the University of Minnesota at Mankato and earned a master’s degree in Sociology. He was offered a position to teach sociology at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. He taught there from 1969-1987.

Phil and Jeanne moved to Lincoln, NE in 1987 for both of them to pursue advanced degrees. While in Nebraska, Phil taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Phil is survived by his wife, Jeanne of LaVista, NE and his children: Kori (Donel) Lemler, Phil (Crystal) Dwight, Janice Allen, Jamie (Tony) Portra, and Barry Kiesz, all of Aberdeen, SD. Kris Christenson of Britton, SD and Eric (Angela) Dwight of Omaha, NE; his brother Paul (Patty) Dwight of Missoula, MT; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phil will be cremated following his funeral on September 17, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary in Papillion, NE.