Services
Obituary
Philip D. Kirstein, 59, of Clarion passed away Saturday, April 14, 2007 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion.
Philip D. Kirstein was born on January 4, 1948 to Robert D. and Laurel (Cole) Kirstein.
Phil lived his entire life in the Clarion area. His class was the last to graduate from the sixth grade at a one room school in Woolstock Township. He attended Clarion High School and graduated in 1966. Phil was raised on the family Century Farm in Woolstock Township and enjoyed farming from an early age. He raised pigs from age 11 and purchased his first tractor while a junior in high school. To pay for the tractor, he applied fertilizer on many local farms. The local Jaycee Chapter recognized Phil’s dedication to Agriculture by naming him Outstanding Young Farmer in 1973.
Following high school Phil served in the Army National Guard for six years.
Phil and his high school sweetheart Judy (Bernhardt) were married on March 4, 1972, at the Methodist Church in Clarion. To this union were born three sons, Kent, Dean, and Cole. The family centered their life around farming for thirty five years.
Phil loved watching the changing seasons in agriculture and being a good steward of the land. He also enjoyed all motor sports on TV or as a spectator. His favorite pastime, though, was being with his family. He cherished the time spent farming with all three sons, loving and teasing his daughter-in-laws, and being a Grandpa.
Phil has been active in the United Methodist Church serving as an usher, Sunday school teacher, chairman of Pastor Parish relations committee and on several other committees.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy, three sons, Kent (Kelly) Kirstein of Clarion, Dean (Abby) Kirstein of Clarion, Cole Kirstein of Ankeny; grandchildren, Natalie, Colin, and Cale Kirstein. He also survived by one sister, Mildred (Dale) Hoyd of Boise, ID; one brother Paul (Pat) Kirstein of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews.
Those who have preceded Phil in death are his parents, Bob and Laurel Kirstein; one infant sister, Karole Ann; and one brother, Randy.