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.