Philip “Phil” James Velzke, age 84, of Owatonna, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the New Richland Care Center after a brief illness. He was born on April 14, 1941, the son of the late Gerhard and Bertha (Sorgatz) Velzke. Phil attended and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1959.

On July 28, 1962, Phil married the love of his life, Deloris Anderson, at Redeemer Lutheran Church and the couple lived and raised their family in Owatonna. Phil and Deloris spent 57 wonderful years together until her passing in 2019. In his early years of his career, Phil worked for Sears and Roebuck in the sales department for over 30 years until he started his own business, Phil’s Home Improvement in 1994, which he operated until his retirement.

Philip was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and later, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, both in Owatonna. When he wasn’t working, Phil enjoyed fishing, playing cards, having conversations with friends and family, attending live music and theater shows, and spending time with his family. The annual trips with his wife, Deloris, to Branson to see the Christmas lights and enjoy the music shows were always the highlight of his year.

Phil is survived by his children: Dawn (Jonathan) Marxhausen of Woodbury, Dean (Kelly) Velzke of Owatonna, and Deanne Nierengarten of Aurora, CO; grandchildren: Ethan Marxhausen, Hannah (Jake) Cabak, Caleb (Callie) Marxhausen, Leah Marxhausen (Paul Priester), Brianna (Isaac) Bergstrom, Justin (Ashe) Velzke, Taylor (Kade) Serbus, Benjamin Nierengarten (Jordan Blakeslee), and Kathryn (Ryan) Kelso; great-grandchildren: Leon and Margot Marxhausen, Emmett, Morgan, and Lena Cabak, Eli and Etta Bergstrom, and Charlotte Velzke; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris; parents; sisters, Gertrude (Edward) Bartsch and Regina (Orville) Bartsch; son-in-law, John Nierengarten; and nephew, Lynn Bartsch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Owatonna Foundation in Phil’s memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of service. Interment will be held at Union Cemetery in Bixby.