William Phillips

William S. "Bill" Phillips, 96, of Duluth, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 20, 2015 in St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by family and close friends. He was born in Lake City, Minn on February 19, 1919 to William and Grace Phillips. Bill was a Army veteran serving in World War II and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Music. Bill also attended Northwestern College and Bethel College pursuing Ministry. Bill's teaching career began in Minneapolis, teaching music in various schools, moving to Duluth in 1958 and teaching at Washington Jr High and in the rural St. Louis County schools. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he was the Choir Director for over 25 years and now a member of Lincoln Park Community Church (Temple Baptist) where he was the choir director for 10 years. Music and Ministry were always part of Bill's life, sharing the word of Jesus gave inspiration for he and his wife, Ingrid to start the program, "Scripture Time" on PAC TV in 1995 and recorded his last show on August 2, 2015. He enjoyed lunch at Bridgeman's, sharing his music CD's and was always ready for an adventure. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ingrid and son-in-law, Neil Ritari. He is survived by his loving daughter, Marianne Ritari of Duluth and a cousin, Dick (MaryBeth) Megarry of St. Cloud, MN. Visitation 11 a.m. until the 12 noon funeral service Monday, August 24, 2015 at Lincoln Park Community Church. 2202 West 3rd St. Pastor Bill Ness officiating. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard. Memorials to Lincoln Park Community Church or the Animal Allies would be appreciated. To sign the guestbook on-line, visit www.wlbfuneralhome.com. Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.