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Steve Phifer, former Ely resident

Lead Summary

Steve Phifer, former Ely resident, died peacefully at home with his First Mate/Wife Judy and Cisco, his brown dog, by his side.
To say that fishing was Steve’s passion would be an understatement. Every vacation, despite his best effort not to, had fishing involved. His favorite places to fish included One Pine Lake, Lake Superior, and Zihuantenjo Mexico. Fishing for the elusive marlin at the Bat Islands in Costa Rica, and Tarpon fishing in San Juan Puerto Rico were highlights of his fishing adventures.
Steve was a talented musician who in his prime provided many a night’s worth of entertainment as a member of The Jack Daniels Band. He was happy to dust off his mouth harps and join the band a couple times during their recent reunion tour.
Steve greeted everybody with a smile and hosted many memorable get togethers at the cabin on One Pine. Fish fries, campfires, swimming and just hanging out were all part of the fun. He had a love of trains and was able to end his career behind the throttle as a Locomotive Engineer. And who could forget the hat!
Steve is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughters Leah (Jason) Minneapolis, and Kasey (Susan) Bristol UK and step-children Benjamin (Katie) Olinger Bloomington and Katy Rohlk (Jay) Mankato, family, good friends and Brown Dog.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held in Ely at a later date.
Life is like a mountain railway
With an engineer that’s brave
We must make this run successful
From the cradle to the grave
Watch the curves, the fills, and tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hand upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
You will roll up grades of trial; you will cross the bridge of strife;
See that Christ is your Conductor on this lightning train of life;
Always mindful of obstruction, do your duty, never fail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail
Blessed savior, thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore

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