Phillip J. Devens

Phillip (Phil) James Devens, 83, of Sauk Centre, passed away Oct. 13, 2023, surrounded by his family in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born Oct. 28, 1939, in Mankato, to Shirley Gossard and Leroy Devens. He married Sandra Bement Oct. 16, 1965. The couple resided in Little Sauk for most of their years together. Phil was a hard worker and had a great sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes and making others around him smile and laugh. You know he liked you if he was picking on you. His family meant everything to him, and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Devens; daughter Teresa (Eric) Miller of Cherry Valley, California; sons Troy Devens of Little Sauk and Tal (Kristine) Devens of Corpus Christi, Texas; and grandchildren Lexa Krenz, Hali McMillan, Cody Klein, Kendel Klein, Michaela Miller, Gibson Devens, Hunter Devens, Taran Devens, Shemuel Plasky, Rachel Jobe, Alexander Plasky, Aaron Plasky, Abby Davis, Johannah Plasky, Lydia Plasky, Micah Plasky and Ellajean Plasky. Additionally, Phil was blessed with seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved chihuahua, Quark. Phil attended Mountain Lake High School and later pursued higher education at St. Cloud Technical College. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965 and was a Vietnam War veteran. After his military service, Phil returned to farming, which he had helped with during his high school years. He worked in various occupations until he pursued his culinary degree in 1994 at the age of 52. He then worked as the chef at the Grey Eagle school for 10 years before his retirement. Phil was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Little Sauk for more than 50 years, where he found solace and community. In his free time, Phil enjoyed woodcarving gifts for his family for many years. In recent years, he found joy in coloring pictures and quilt pieces for his wife’s projects. He even hand-colored multiple purses for Sandra. He is preceded in death by his father Leroy, mother Shirley and step-mother Lorraine. A ceremony to celebrate Phil’s life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m., at River of Life Church in Sauk Centre. All Faith Funeral & Cremation Services of Ingleside, Texas, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Phillip James Devens will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing. H-42-1B

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• October 18, 2023