Phillip James Hrichena , 55, Minot, and formerly of Sawyer and Surrey died Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Phillip was born on March 28, 1954 in Minot, ND, the son of Paul and Wanda (Starkey) Hrichena. He was reared and educated in Sawyer before the family moved into Minot. He graduated from Minot High School in 1973. Later he moved to Surrey, but maintained employment as a mail carrier for a star route that included the cities of Stanley, Tioga, Ray, and Williston for a number of years. He was once married to Pat May. He moved to Minot in 1998 where he was employed as a custodian at Minot State University for 10 years until ill health forced him to retire.

Phillip was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Minot. His hobbies included fishing and gardening. He was devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed watching racing on all levels. Phillip was especially proud of his participation in a mission trip to Guatemala where he assisted in building a church. Each year over the holidays, he would make a trip to the cities to help in the soup kitchens, serving those in needs. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

He is survived by daughters: Lisa Hrichena, Minot, ND; Sarah Hrichena; Moorhead, MN; mother: Wanda Hrichena, Minot; siblings: David (Donna) Hrichena, Ruth Hrichena, Daniel Hrichena, Rachel Hrichena, Miriam Hrichena, all of Minot and Jon (Rainey) Hrichena of Lake City, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, infant sister, Rebecca, and his grandparents.

Funeral Service: Monday, May 18, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God - Minot.
Interment: Sawyer Community Cemetery, rural Sawyer.
Visitation: Sunday, May 17, 2009, from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred.