Philip W. Markgren

Philip William Markgren went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2024. He peacefully passed in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife, Nancy, and their three children; Kim, Steph, and Mike. He was born in Cumberland, WI on June 7, 1940 to Ernie and Ellen Markgren. The family moved to Spooner when Phil was 12 years old after purchasing the Spooner Bake Shoppe in 1952. He met the love of his life, Nancy Patchin, in high school and they were married in 1960. The two created a beautiful legacy with their three children;  Kim (Dan) Fox, Steph (Tom) Thorsness, and Mike (Tammy) Markgren; eight grandchildren; Brandon (Lindsey) Thorsness, Andrea Thorsness (Rashard), Jacob (Jessica) Fox, Tara Thorsness (Paul), Geof Fox, Kierstin Fox (Austin), Ashtin (Jesse) Gronning, and Tommy Markgren; and ten great-grandchildren; Ava, Hudson, Moriah, Theodore, McKenna, Emma, Mabel, Frederick, Luke and James.

His life was dedicated to serving others, especially his family and the Spooner community. Throughout his life, he served on the Lion’s Club, Jaycees, Spooner Fire Department, Washburn County Republican Party Executive Committee, Valley Bakers Association board, Wisconsin Bakers Association board, and as a Spooner Chamber member. He was a Rodeo sponsor and always volunteered to help where needed. He faithfully served on the Spooner School District School Board for 45 years. He also was the last original Railroad Memories Museum Board Member, who, with other concerned business owners, was instrumental in bringing the collection from the Railroad Bar back to Spooner. Phil was also part owner of his beloved Green Bay Packers. When he was 14 years old, he hand planted thousands of pine trees on the family land, while lying on his stomach on a platform pulled by a tractor.

The Spooner Bake Shoppe was a huge part of his life, starting at 12 years old and baking until he was 74. He was a Master Baker and blessed thousands of people with his delicious, from-scratch baked goods. He gave many classes and instructional demonstrations at both the Wisconsin Bakers Convention and the Midwest Bakers Convention; both of which garnered him 1st Place trophies for baked foods he created.   All of his kids and grand-kids worked there, making four generations of Markgren bakers. He could be heard whistling to the radio while he kneaded dough, mixed up cookies, and fried donuts. There’s no record of the thousands of dozens of buns and cookies he donated to causes in the area.  He also would personally give to family friends; following in the footsteps of his father.  He never wanted praise for doing what the Lord led him to do. 

Upon the sale of the bakery, Phil wasn’t ready to retire and purchased the variety store down the street which continues to this day to be a vital part of Spooner’s main street.  Business ownership was in his blood and he loved being there for the community.

Although he had many roles and was well-known in his community, his greatest joy was being a loving husband, father, grampa, and great-grampa. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren, brother-in-law Brad, sister-in-law Linda, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Mary Ellen, Stephen, and Dave.  Through his life, he kept his promise to his mother to care for his siblings when they were in need. 

As his family, we hope to continue on with our lives in a way that will honor his legacy.  Till we meet again...

Job well done my precious son...welcome home. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 11th from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Spooner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Railroad Museum would be greatly appreciated.

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