Philip Edward Kehres, 71

Philip Edward Kehres was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 15, 1951 to Elizabeth Seibert Kehres (Betty) and Charles Joseph Kehres (Bud).

He passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell on May 24, 2023.

He is survived by his siblings, Steve in Livonia, Michigan, Mike, (Kim) in South Lyon, Michigan, Mary in Westminster, Colorado, Jenny Schramm, Lori, and John (Genie) all residing in Toledo, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents.

Phil’s childhood days were filled with amazing adventures with his neighborhood friends, operating a bicycle repair enterprise, holding carnivals, running a day care for "younger children," cruising the record store at the Toledo Miracle Mile purchasing 45 rpm records, etc.

After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and performed channel maintenance on the Missouri River. He was transferred to Kodiak, Alaska where he found a deep love of the outdoors and the mountains in particular. He made friends with whom he kept in contact with until his passing.

After serving his country, he attended college in Alpena, Michigan during the winter and worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the Flathead National Forest in Montana during the summer.

After graduation he moved to the Flathead County area and was accepted to be a carrier for the U.S Postal Service, a position he held until his retirement at 55 years of age in 1996.

Phil was very active in Montana, skiing winters and climbing and hiking summers, all on his days off. The joke became “you must go back to work to get some rest.” At his postal retirement party he was presented by his coworkers with a cake shaped and decorated to resemble The Big Mountain Ski Resort. A family/coworker party held one day after his 55th birthday was attended by 65 guests, and many family members traveled to Montana to celebrate.

After retirement, he continued to hike and climb and eventually purchased a 1961 Alaskan Camper to comfortably make extended trips to Colorado, Utah, and of course, more of Montana. He drove it to Toledo in 2021 to visit his dad who was approaching his 104th birthday, yet still active and very funny despite his advanced age.

At this time no services are planned, but a picnic may be held during the summer for local friends to gather and trade stories.

Phil always had a profound sense of justice and was concerned about the less fortunate that we constantly observe in the Kalispell area, so please consider donating time or money to causes that assist with mental health issues and the food insecure.

Phil is survived by his partner and husband of 43 years, Ted Patten, at the family home in Kalispell.