Philip E. Hegstad, 75, of Powers Lake, ND, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Mountrail County Medical Center Hospital in Stanley, ND.

Philip “Eugene” Hegstad was born to Philip and Ethel Hegstad on April 20, 1949 in Williston, North Dakota. He attended school in Williston and graduated from Powers Lake High School. On July 27, 1968, Eugene married Judy Lee in rural Tioga, North Dakota. Together the couple raised three children during their 56-year marriage.

Eugene was a carpenter his whole life. He and his father, Philip, built the Bethel Baptist Parsonage in the late 1960’s. Eugene worked for several floor covering businesses throughout his career. In his spare time, he raised livestock at the original homestead on Powers Lake. In 2002, Eugene and Judy purchased the old Ben Franklin in Tioga and transformed it into Hegstad Furniture and Appliances. The couple operated the store until they retired in 2016.

In June 2021, Eugene was able to take his dream fishing trip to Alaska with his two sons, Michael and Matthew, and two of his grandsons, Brandon and Sean. He always enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and grandkids, and throughout his life he was able to take a few elk hunting trips in Montana. With Judy by his side, along with friends and relatives, Eugene enjoyed camping and exploring the Western and South-Western United States in his fifth wheel camper. Eugene enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends as well.

Eugene was proud of his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. God knew that he needed to meet his newest great-granddaughter, Lainey, as she arrived three weeks early and he was able to hold her in his arms.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Julie (Rob) Bellm of Stanley, ND, Michael (Nghia) Hegstad of Kalispell, MT, and Matthew (Josie) Hegstad of Kalispell, MT; six grandchildren, Alexis (Dillion) Meier of Stanley, ND, Paige Rehak of Powers Lake, ND, Brandon (Khaila) Hegstad of Columbia Falls, MT, Nathan Hegstad of Whitefish, MT, Sean Hegstad of Kalispell, MT, and Scout Hegstad of Kalispell, MT; four great-grandchildren, Elijah, Oliver, and Ava Meier, and Lainey Rehak; siblings, Diane (Bob) Skjervem of Powers Lake, ND, David (Jenny) Hegstad of Ishpeming, MI, Debbie (Garland) Bratten of Powers Lake, ND, Clifton Hegstad of Ishpeming, MI, and Dan (Stephanie) Hegstad of Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law, Loraline Cummins of Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Myron (Vickie) Lee of Tioga, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Marie; father-in-law, Ernest Lee; mother-in-law, Thora Lee; brother-in-law, David Lee; and son-in-law, Dale Rehak.