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| Brian Phelps, 55 |
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| Written by TRF Times |
 Brainerd - Brian Phelps, 55, died early Saturday morning, July 2, at home where he wanted to be, surrounded by his family. A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 5, at First Congregational Church in Brainerd. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Brian, 55, was born in Fargo, N.D., and attended high school in Thief River Falls. He went on to college at Bemidji State University, where he was an accomplished swimmer and cross-country runner, earning his architectural degree from North Dakota State University. He was also an alumnus of the Blandin Community Leadership Program. Brian began his career with Stewart Walker in Bemidji, moving to Brainerd to join Stegner Hendrickson McNutt, after his marriage to his wife, Carol, in 1982. He successively became a partner in Stegner Phelps Architects until 2003, when he sold the firm to work through 2009 at SEH Architects and Engineers. Since then, he immensely enjoyed working as an architect at Nor-Son, Inc. During his career, he served in numerous professional capacities including on the AIA Minnesota Architecture in the Schools Committee, and as a registered member of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International. Brian will be remembered for designing schools, office buildings, medical facilities, hotels and more throughout Brainerd, across Minnesota and in North Dakota. In addition, he was a dedicated volunteer within his church, Lakes Area Youth Soccer Association and the arts, as well as most recently with organizations including the Brainerd Main Street Committee and design subcommittee, the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board, and the Patient Advisory Committee at St. Joseph’s Medical Center/Essentia Health. An Eagle Scout, he continued to serve on numerous Boards of Review. His love was legendary for soccer, D.Q. banana shakes, bad jokes, his somewhat disobedient dog Lola and fishing on Leech Lake, surpassed only by his fulfillment in raising three creative, hardworking and kind children. Brian believed in the Scout law, that full moons must always be celebrated and that he finally did catch the biggest fish at his 55th fishing opener this May. He will be missed by many for his ethics, strength and positive attitude. Brian’s immediate family includes his wife, Carol (Russell) Phelps of Brainerd; his children Nicholas Phelps and wife Paula of St. Paul, Joseph Phelps and wife Emily of St. Paul, and Anna Clavin, husband Patrick and grandson Oliver of St. Cloud. He is also survived by his father, Joseph Phelps of Brainerd; as well as his brothers and wives Paul and Tracy of Eagan, Todd and Molly of St. Paul, sister-in-law, Diane Phelps of Olympia, Wash.; sister Joyce Trost and husband Tim of Cannon Falls; plus many very loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Stevan, and his mother, Rita Phelps. A00003B2011JY06  |
