Phil had a lifelong fascination with anything that had an engine. His heart belonged to Fords–especially his beloved 1963 Ford Fairlane, which he painstakingly built and raced to victory in a few Iowa drag races. He wouldn’t even consider getting behind the wheel of a Chevy, a fact he made abundantly clear to anyone who dared bring one into his driveway. His passion extended beyond cars to an impressive collection of lawnmowers and miscellaneous engine parts, most of which served no real purpose except to make him happy.

In recent years, Phil’s greatest love wasn’t made of steel or rubber but rather came in the form of a remarkable woman named Jeanette. She not only managed to get him out of his standard-issue jeans and work boots but even convinced him to fix his teeth. His family credits her with performing miracles like getting him into a pair of shorts in the summer, which revealed legs so white they could guide ships home in a storm.

Phil’s notorious sweet tooth was legendary. No amount of convincing could stop him from believing cookies were a perfectly acceptable breakfast food, much to the delight and dismay of his family. He was equally adamant in his dislike of eggs, which he firmly believed had no business being on his plate at any time of day, no matter if they were served over easy, sunnyside up, scrambled, or hard-boiled. Phil had a soft spot for small dogs, who brought him endless joy over the years. His family hopes those little companions are greeting him in the afterlife, tails wagging and ready for new adventures.

Phil leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and just the right amount of stubbornness. He is survived by his son, Eric Tenney of Richfield, Minn., with whom he shared a knack for good-natured bickering, and his two daughters, Lisa McClanahan of Austin, Texas and her husband Tom and Kara Buell of Covington, La., and her husband Steve. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Tenney of Fairmont, Minn., and his wife Beverly. His grandchildren and bonus grandchildren will miss his humor and the twinkle in his eye. Phil was preceded in death by his parents Alonzo and Hazel Tenney and his brother Greg.

Phil’s life was a testament to hard work, family, and finding joy in the little things (and sometimes in the very loud things, like revving engines). He was the epitome of Minnesota Nice-always quick with a helping hand, a kind word, or a laugh that could warm the coldest winter day. He will be missed deeply but fondly remembered every time a Ford roars to life–or a cookie jar is mysteriously empty.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, at the Chapel at The Fountains of Hosanna, 9850 163rd Street, Lakeville, Minn. 55044. (Door 5) Lunch served immediately following.

Funeral arrangements by White Funeral Home, Lakeville, Minn.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]