Phillip Thorell

Phillip Thorell lived a long, rewarding life for 95 years on this earth, serving his family, friends, and the Lord Jesus. He was married to his college sweetheart, Lois Olson, for 71 years. Together they had six children. There was no one else that was more devoted to his wife and family. He epitomized all this as a servant leader at work and at home, always putting others before himself. His life was directed by the teachings of Jesus, as it was filled with integrity, faithfulness, self-sacrifice, and moral character. 

Life centered around his faith and his relationships with family. Being amiable to strangers and neighbors also came easy to him. Although he was interested in deeper theological thought, his faith was simple and could be explained in the saying, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as a child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Even in his later years, as his eyesight was failing, Phil continued to listen to God's Word on his iphone Bible app. His childlike faith was unwavering. Today he is certainly in the arms of our Lord Jesus, enjoying the everlasting Kingdom Life along with those who went before him, including his son Larry, daughter-in-law Laura, and granddaughter Krista, as well as his parents, Gillman and Amy Thorell. 

His legacy lives on through the foundation of faith he established for his family. The apostle Paul said for us to finish the race strong, and he did just that. Well done, good and faithful servant. 

He is survived by his loving wife Lois, five remaining children, David, Alan, Gail, Carole, and Brad, as well as their respective families, including eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

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