Phillip passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by his loving family.

Phil was born on April 19, 1957, to Howard and Glendamae (Chadbourne) Mecklenburg in Bozeman, MT. He grew up in Glendive, MT. He had two children, Scott Allen Mecklenburg and Chad Glenn Mecklenburg with his first wife Ruby Denson Mecklenburg. One evening in 1988 Phil was at the Sidney Pocket and danced with a beautiful woman named Alvena (Vena) Miller Haber. One dance was all it took and on July 1, 1988 the two were wed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Phil was always so gentle and kind to Vena-he will always be her sweetheart! Although he was usually a man of few words, there was no question at how much he loved his family. He always made sure they had what they needed even if that meant he had to go without what he needed.

He was the rough and tough type of man who loved the outdoors and providing for his family. He was known for his forearms that were “Popeye” like. He put his strength to use in his work which included: building homes with his Dad in Glendive, working in the oilfield, 12 years of school bus contracts in Savage, and eventually started his own building company called Mecklenburg Construction. As you drive through Sidney and the surrounding area, there are touches of Phil’s work everywhere.

Phil thoroughly enjoyed hunting every year. Family and friends also enjoyed that Phil hunted because they often got some of his famous deer jerky once the season was over! He was quite well known for this secret recipe! He loved to make his own ammunition for his many rifles and other guns. He loved to build and work on projects.

Diagnosed in 2018 with Leukemia, Phil fought many difficult medical battles over the past 4 years. He truly was a strong warrior who fought the good fight. Phil was loved and respected by the people he worked with in the community and also through church and work. This has been shown to our family through the many calls, cards, messages, and the support received through the recent benefit that was held in October. We have been blown away by the generosity of so many. Thank you!

Phil is survived by his wife Vena Miller Haber Mecklenburg. His children Chad Mecklenburg, Blake (Jessica) Mecklenburg, and Sheena (Matt) Sylvester, and granddaughter, LillieAnn Lace Mecklenburg. Phil is also survived by: his brothers, Mervin (Delanie) Mecklenburg and George (Lauri) Mecklenburg and father in law, Alvin Miller Sr.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother-Howard and Glendamae Mecklenburg, son-Scott Allen Mecklenburg, step son-Rick Dean Haber, grandson-Atlie Dean Haber, and mother-in law Doris Miller.