Philip L. Birkedal

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Epiphany Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church for Phil Birkedal, age 66, of Mason City. Phil passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, Aug. 16 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. The Rev. Ben Valentine and Deacon Mike Byrne will officiate.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 24 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with vigil service and opportunity to share at 6 p.m.

Phil ran into the arms of our waiting Lord, glad to be home, after a four-year battle with ALS and 46-years in a wheelchair, following an accident when he was twenty. The determined Phil never met a challenge he wouldn’t meet head-on.

The shock and trauma accompanying spinal cord injury and rehabilitation made St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, Phil’s home for the next nine months. He was a problem-solver to the end, whether learning skills to live independently, or working with national and international business clients.

Phil was a 1977 graduate of Nora Springs High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He was also a member of the Trojan basketball team at North Iowa Area Community College, where he earned an Associate in Applied Science in Farm Operation and Management in 1979. Phil completed an Associate in Arts degree at NIACC in 1982. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984 and obtained his CPA.

When Phil met his wife, Julie Ann Thoreen in 1986, he was chairman of the City of Mason City’s Disability Committee. He held many roles in the local business community, most recently at Kingland, of Clear Lake, for 38 years, as a business analyst and partner. He worked three years as an executive coach while easing into retirement.

Phil and Julie were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church on June 18, 1988. In 1991, they adopted a daughter, Clare, and in 1993, a son, David, now Donte David Isaac Wolf. During his children’s younger years, he coached youth sports and was also a dedicated fan of Newman and Mason City sports. He loved watching Clare play basketball and baseball for the Knights and Donte participate in sports and performing arts. There was never a Dad more proud or encouraging than Phil.

Phil had season Hawkeye basketball tickets. He also led a fundraising team as part of the current YMCA’s original capital campaign. He served as a member of the Commission of Persons with Disabilities under Governors Branstad and Vilsack.

Phil enjoyed Minnesota family vacations including along the North Shore of Lake Superior. He and Julie traveled widely throughout the United States where they especially liked visiting National Parks. They also traveled internationally, going to Mexico, England, and Norway. During the winter, they enjoyed the beaches and state parks in Florida, and worshipping at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Bonita Springs.

Phil finished his race well, putting love and the Gospel first. Even in death, he continued to care for others through the work of the Iowa Donor Network.

Phil is survived by his wife Julie, whom he cherished for nearly 40 years; his children, Clare Genioara Birkedal and Donte David Isaac Wolf (Alexis Papouchis Wolf); and his ever-faithful standard poodle, Kirra. He is also survived by his siblings: Paul Birkedal (Karen), Nina Birkedal Bates (John), Mark Birkedal, and John Birkedal (Mary Lynn); much extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer Birkedal and Alice Turner, of rural Osage; brother, David Birkedal, and sister-in-law, Charolette Hennen Birkedal.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Phil’s name to the ALS Association of Iowa, 1501 42nd St,, Suite 470, Des Moines, IA 50266; Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless Shelters, 202 First St. N.W., Mason City, IA 50401; or Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank, P.O. Box 1565, Mason City, IA 50402-1565.

To watch Phil's service click here: Phil's service