Philip "Phil" Thompson Hesli, Jr.

Philip "Phil" Thompson Hesli, Jr. of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully on February 15 at the age of 79. He is survived by his daughter Sara Hesli of Darien, CT, and three grandchildren Jay, Philip, and Anne Franzese; daughter Lauren Hesli of Minneapolis, MN; sister Karen Hesli (Jeff Welch) of Ojai, CA; brother David Hesli (Ellyn Harris-Hesli) of Iowa City, IA, and former wife Gretchen (Schwartz) Hesli. Born December 18, 1945, to Dorothy G. Hesli (Unger) and Philip T. Hesli, Sr., Phil grew up in South Minneapolis on Gladstone and 52nd Street where neighborhood shenanigans were the norm and lifelong friendships made. Phil graduated from Breck School in 1964 and began his freshman year at the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, Phil was drafted on June 6, 1966, and sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, for basic training. Officer Candidate School followed and in the spring of 1968 Phil's unit flew from Ft. Carson, CO, and landed at the Da Nang Air Base where they waited for the rest of the "Red Diamonds." The 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) had been dispatched to South Vietnam that year to defend the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone in northern Quang Tri Province. On September 4, 1968, while serving as Platoon Leader of the Second Platoon, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, Phil's platoon came under heavy enemy rocket fire killing members of his crew and seriously wounding him. Phil refused evacuation, took command of his company and coordinated relief for his unit for which he later earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star. Following his military service, Phil joined his father's car dealership, Arrow Pontiac, on University Avenue in St. Paul, becoming the third generation of Phil Heslis in the car business. His outgoing nature and interest in others led to a long career with many happy customers. Phil liked all things history, especially family history, and could recall names, dates and the family tree with ease. His favorite pastime was duck and pheasant hunting with his beloved dog Maddie. Though good health wasn't always on his side, Phil's famous words were "it will all work out." Phil was a survivor, a generous father, and a loyal friend. Celebration of life Thursday, May 8 with visitation at 9:30 am, service at 10:30 am, and luncheon to follow at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street and Highway 100. Burial at 2 pm, Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Assembly Area 2, 7601 34th Avenue South. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans or Pheasants Forever.

Tributes

Philip "Phil" Thompson Hesli, Jr.

December 18, 1945 - February 15, 2025

Tributes

Philip "Phil" Thompson Hesli, Jr.

December 18, 1945 - February 15, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203