Phillip Shanafelt, age 57, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away on December 12, 2025. He was born on August 19, 1968, in Casper, Wyoming, to Millie Frazee (Satter) and Dale Shanafelt. Both parents later remarried—Dale to Shirley Carlsen (McLouth) and Millie to Steve Frazee.

Phillip graduated from Williston High School and later attended college for power plant operations. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and building a life centered around love, loyalty, and connection.

Phillip became a father when he welcomed his son, Tyler in January 1991, followed by his daughter, Tessa in December 1997. He was also a proud bonus father to Joseph Magnan, whom he loved as his own. Phillip and Tessa shared many cherished adventures together, traveling to South Dakota and Wyoming to visit family and create lifelong memories. In 2012, Phillip met the love of his life, Machelle, with whom he shared a deep and devoted bond.

He became a grandfather in 2008, a role that quickly became one of the most important parts of his life. His grandchildren meant everything to him. In 2014, his “sidekick,” Grayson, was born, and from that moment on, they were inseparable—fishing, hunting, bowling, and getting into a little mischief together, including driving a truck into the lake.

One of Phillip’s greatest passions was bowling. He grew up working in multiple bowling alleys while honing his skills, earning numerous 300 games, tournament wins, and lifelong friendships along the way. He shared his love of bowling with his son Tyler, spending many days competing together in tournaments, and this passion has passed down through generations—to his younger brother, Wade and his grandsons, Landon and Grayson. Phillip also loved playing poker with friends, enjoying the fun it brought. He was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and never missed watching a game. He shared a special bond with his close friends, Joel Rasmussen and Ricky Falcon, who were constant companions through many of life’s adventures. Outside of sports and games, Phillip enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors, especially when he was surrounded by family.

Phillip is survived by the love of his life, Machelle; son, Tyler; daughter, Tessa (Aaron); bonus son, Joseph (Annie) Magnan; stepchildren, Krystal (Chris), Victoria, Cody, Gene (Stephanie), Jamie, Jordan, and Chase (Zoey); siblings, Wade (Randi), Jenny (Steve), Stephanie (Bill), and Paul; his cherished grandchildren Bryce, Landon, Madison, Kiarra, Lilly, Meya, Zoey, Grayson, Kinslee, Kaisen, Bentley, Lawson, and Cooper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Shanafelt, Shirley Carlsen (McLouth), Millie Frazee (Satter), and Steve Frazee.

Phillip will be remembered for his deep love for family, his proud accomplishments, and his passions for bowling, poker, and football. He cherished the special bonds he shared with those closest to him—including his children, grandchildren, bonus son, his family, numerous friends, and the many adventures he shared with Tessa and Tyler. His love of bowling will live on through generations, as he inspired his brother, son, and grandsons to carry on the tradition. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the family he loved so fiercely.

Memorial Contribution