Philip Edward McHale

Philip Edward McHale, 76, of Clarion, IA, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Philip Edward McHale son of John and Ellen “Nell” (O’Conner) McHale was born on April 2, 1930 in rural Clarion. He attended Wall Lake Township county schools graduating from Clarion High School in 1948. He worked on the family farm and continued through his adulthood.

On June 22, 1955 Philip was united in marriage to JoAnne Kaufman at St. Francis Catholic Church in Belmond. To this union four children were born.

Philip enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica, and spent many hours at the Eagle Grove Airport visiting and flying with his friends. He was a township trustee and historian at the Wright County Fair sharing his knowledge of one room school houses. He could be found working in his machine shop inventing many things.

Philip was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion.

He is survived by his wife JoAnne of Clarion; son, Kevin and his wife Ellyn of Clarion; three daughters Felecia Dus and her husband Frank of Chicago, IL, Janyce Otto and her husband Richard of Rochester, MN, Ann McLaughlin of Rochester, MN; six grandchildren, Jenni Otto, Michael McHale, Bridget McLaughlin, David McLaughlin, Anna Otto, Rose Otto; sister Judy Nelson of Urbandale, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Philip was preceded by his parents; four sister, Gloria, Mary, Eleanor and Leone; two brothers, Emmet, and John.