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John Phippins , 64, Minot, died Wednesday, April 29, 2015, in Minot.

John was born December 21, 1950, in Upland, Pennsylvania, the son of Richard and Vera (Carr) Phippins. He was reared and educated in Williamsburg, Virginia, a graduate of the James Blair High School Class of 1970.

John enlisted in the United States Air Force on November 24, 1970, serving in Guam and at the Minot Air Force Base until his honorable discharge in November 1974.

John found the love of his life while cruising the streets of Glenburn. He believed it was love at first sight and said to his buddy "That's the girl I'm gonna marry!" After much persistence she became smitten too and John was united in marriage to Vickie Christenson on March 16, 1974 in Glenburn, ND. They spent one year in Virginia, where he proudly worked on the initial landscaping of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Upon returning to North Dakota, he was employed by Midwest Motor Express and later Lewis Truck Lines. In 1986, John became a heavy equipment operator for the MAFB 5th CES. He had a unique passion for his job and cherished his coworkers- he remained working until the time of his death.

John was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and a previous member of American Legion, Eagles Aerie, and the Teamsters Union.

John enjoyed dancing, tinkering and hiding out in his garage, and peaceful rides on his Harley. He had a great appreciation for nature and spent endless hours tending to his yard, but everything took a backseat for his daughters and grandchildren. He loved attending the kids' programs and sporting events, and cherished the special bond he built with each grandchild. John's unique love of life, and humorous personality made him loved by everybody, and he has left a lasting impression on all who shared in his life.

John is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Vickie, Minot; daughters, Tonya Knutson and Stacy Wallin, and son-in-law Brian, all of Minot; grandchildren, Evan, Eric and Joshua Knutson and Jasmine and Allie Wallin; sister, Jane (Dale) Prowant, Williamsburg, VA; sisters-in-law Janice Pratt, Minot and Cheryl Robinson, Portland, OR; brother-in-law Loren (Sandy) Christenson, Deering; honorary brother Bill (Darline) Mahowald, Bismarck; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his and Vickie's parents; and brother-in-law, John "Jack" Robinson.

Celebration of John's Life: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, May 4, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or Bethany Lutheran Church, both of Minot, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.