Philip C. Warner, age 58, of Hudson died unexpectedly Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Phil was born on October 17, 1952 in Duluth, Minnesota. He was raised in Fargo, North Dakota, graduating from Fargo South High School in 1971. He went on to the University of Montana, winning a theater scholarship there, and then continued his studies at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1977, where he graduated with honors. He then attended William Mitchell College of Law, where he proudly received his Juris Doctorate in 1982. He began his law practice by opening his own law firm. He later worked for other private firms and as in-house counsel, specializing in workers’ compensation defense. He enjoyed his work and had a presence in the courtroom. Phil was highly respected by his colleagues.

Phil was an Eagle Scout, a distinction well-earned and worn with pride throughout his lifetime.

On July 24, 1998, he was united in marriage to Kristi Oathoudt in Glacier Park, Montana. Together, they have made rural Hudson their home, where they have lived with their two cats. They loved to golf and travel together, and Phil particularly loved working in the yard and making their home beautiful.

Phil was very proud of his family, including his daughter, Melissa and his son-in-law, Jody, as well as his grandchildren, Jordan and Haley. He loved spending time with them watching big screen movies at the home he helped create.

He was also proud of his extended family through Kristi, spending time with his niece and nephew, Jessica and Joshua, feeding the birds and playing in badminton tournaments.

Phil retired in 2008, and has since spent his time enjoying golf, a passion he learned later in life. He also loved to fish and, in keeping with his theater background, volunteered at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson.

Phil is survived by his wife Kristi, daughter Melissa (Jody) Gilbertson of Blaine, grandchildren Jordan & Haley, parents Paul and Mary Warner of White Bear Lake, MN, brother Peter (Tracy) Warner of White Bear Lake, and their children Elizabeth and Eleanor, parents-in-law David & Marcia Oathoudt of Bismarck, ND, brother-in-law Todd (Debbie) Oathoudt of Faribault, MN and their children, Jessica and Joshua. He is preceded in death by his sister Anne.

Celebration of Life for Phil will be 11 a.m., Friday, September 9th, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home; 520 So. 11th Street in Hudson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at O’Connell’s on Friday morning.