Phillip Henry Nawrocki

Phillip Henry Nawrocki, better known to his friends as “Phil,” died at the age of 73 on February 4th, after showing unwavering strength as he dealt with his cancer diagnosis. Phil and his older sister, Mary, were born and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but Phil died in his favorite sunny state of Arizona. Phil graduated from North High School in Minnesota in 1969 after which he served in the Army National Guard for 7 years; honorably discharged as Staff Sargeant E6.

Phil worked hard, conscientiously and faithfully as a fire sprinkler engineer in a variety of companies in Minnesota, Nebraska, and finally in Arizona.

Phil was a devoted and loving husband to Elly for 46 years. Together they raised their children, Erik Nawrocki and Jaclyn Hansen.

Phil was a lifelong and devout member of the Catholic Church, always attending Mass even during his long illness. He loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren, and truly appreciated the good times they shared when visiting Arizona. Phil’s passion was golfing, reading, watching sports, playing cards and donating his time as the Lead volunteer at the Lutheran Social Services Food Bank.

Phil was a quiet and reserved man yet was known to family and friends as a strong, reliable, and resilient person always willing to help. He was intelligent and displayed a hard work ethic which he passed on to his children.

Phil is survived by his wife, Elly; children, Erik (Jessica) Nawrocki; Jaclyn (Jake) Hansen, both of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Mary (John) McShane, Elk River, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kade, Kole, and Keegan Nawrocki of Omaha, Nebraska. Phil is also survived by a wonderful extended family including six sisters-in-law’s, two brothers-in-law, and many nephews and nieces. Phil was preceded in death by parents Henry and Dorothy Nawrocki, in-laws Garland & Florence Erickson, sister-in-law Pat Hanselman, brother-in-law’s Paul Hanselman, Ronald Keogh, Keith Hasemann and niece Rebecca Paulsen and nephew Jason Keogh.

Memorials may be made to the Food Pantry at Victory Lutheran Church for a cause at which Phil dedicated 14 years of his time volunteering.