Phil Xavier Senger, 79, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away October 29, 2022, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, from a devastating stroke.
Mr. Senger was born July 29, 1943, in Rock Island, IL. He married Sharon Lee Millenbruch on June 4, 1969, in Marysville, KS.
Phil attended elementary school and high school in Davenport, IA. He graduated from Central High School in 1961 and attended St. Ambrose College for two years in Davenport. He transferred to Iowa State University and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He was a graduate teaching assistant in English at Kansas State University starting in the fall of 1965. He earned master’s degrees in English and in Business Administration. He was a member of Barbee Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir. He worked at the Social Security Administration and later at the Missouri Division of Employment Security, both in Kansas City, MO. After retirement, he substitute-taught at the local area Career Center and wrote for the Excelsior Springs Standard. He regularly attended Community Theater and High School events. He loved encouraging young people, especially local talent. He loved engaging in lengthy conversations with anyone on any topic and had knowledge on a wide variety of subjects to draw on.
His main interests were hunting and photography. He was a self-professed “current events junkie,” following the news from all over the world, and reading voraciously. He traveled to most states in this country, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as China and Great Britain.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Margaret (Novotny) Senger of Davenport, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the home; daughter, Susan Mason (Kurt) of Kansas City, MO; son, Steven Senger (Ximena) of Springfield, MO; grandsons, Mark and Erik Mason, and Luka Alfaro; brother, Charlie Senger (Bettie); honorary brother, Duane Cox; and many nieces and nephews. He was a friend to many and never knew a stranger.
A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at noon on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Barbee Presbyterian Church in Excelsior Springs, MO. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. the night before, Friday, November 18, also at Barbee Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 20, at the Marysville City Cemetery in Marysville, KS.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Phil’s memory to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, c/o BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871, 800 437-2423; info@brightfocus.org or KCUR 89.3 FM, 4825 Troost, Suite 202, Kansas City, MO 64110, kcur@kcur.org; 816 235-5287.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
I’m deeply saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. He was always a kind and caring man to me & my family. I’ll never forget the regular outings to watch the Royals or visit any number of bookstores. I’ll cherish the memories of wonderfully deep conversations about history & current events. I always knew Phil would have a book on any topic I was curious about & he shared his love of learning & reading with everyone blessed to know him. He will be truly missed. My wife, son, & I send our deepest condolences & heartfelt prayers.
Ryan Stephans
We are so sorry for the loss of Phil. Everyone who knew him will remember him forever.
Our prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. We are here for whatever you may need.
May happy, healthy memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Jim and Elaine Vassmer
Susan,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounded like an honorable human being. I see you have a lot of the same qualities. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and the entire family.
God bless you,
Jolene
Sharon and family,
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Sending you condolences and a big hug.
Nancy Risinger
Uncle Phil will be sorely missed. I loved talking to him at family gatherings as well as when times were tough. He was amazing at lending a sympathetic ear and giving wonderful advice with Aunt Sharon right beside him. One of my favorite memories is the art book he tried to give me as a birthday present and a trip to the Nelson art gallery. My children enjoyed spending time with them as well. One of the favourite times we’re going to the Lego store, the Hallmark store, and the restaurant with the train that delivers the food. It’s a treasured memory. Thank you for all both of you’ve done throughout the years. Phil was a wonderful man and will be remembered fondly.
My deepest sympathies and condolences,
Tracy Ridey (Millenbruch)
Dear Sharon, Susan, Stephen and family,
Phil was a blessing to so many people, including me. I cherish the memories I have of Christmas Eve shared with you and the many wonderful conversations I had with Phil. Sharon, you and Phil became like family to me. I loved the games we played and the laughter we shared. May God’s love surround you with peace and the knowledge of Phil enjoying this last adventure. Phil was a good man, and will be missed.
Love, Barbara
I will miss our long conversations my friend. Phil Senger was a one of a kind guy. Rest in peace.
John Hill
Sharon, Stephen and Susan,
We always enjoyed visiting with Phil wherever our paths crossed, and we left feeling uplifted for having spent time with him. He will be missed by our community at large. Please accept our sincere sympathy and know the Shumate’s are lifting you up in prayer.
Earl and Linda Shumate
I am so sorry to learn of Phil’s passing. I got to know him when our boys were in Boy Scouts together. What a smart & fascinating individual! My prayers for God’s comfort & peace to his family.
Kelly Smith
Sharon, so sorry of seeing the passing of Phil. May God be with you and your family and give you peace.
Lillian Hendricks
Sharon, was very sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Always enjoyed seeing him during election days. Always had a smile and enjoyed all the stories he had to tell. Prayers for you and your family, may you find peace & comfort in the words of God.
Sally Denney
To Senger family I very sorry for your loss. Phil was a classmate of mine from Central High School, class of 1961. I am sure but I would say that Phil made most of the class reunions. We will miss him and I know all of you will to.
Linda (Martin) Jones
I am really sorry for your loss. I met Phil when we were Seniors at Davenport Central High School. Phil’s wit, and friendly nature made it easy to like him. Our contact the next few years was limited. When Phil transferred to Iowa State, we had occasional contact, but I was an Engineering student and Phil was in the College of Science and Humanities which limited our contact. I married Judy and Phil married Sharon. Somehow, we reunited and started a long distance conversation that lasted until very recently. We saw each other when Phil returned to Davenport and I really looked forward to his visits. Not having our talks and Phil’s occasional visits will leave a empty space in my life.
Bill & Judy McFarlin
My sincere condolences to Phil’s beloved family and wide circle of friends. We were fellow “West Enders” and friends from 7th grade through high school. We looked forward to the school reunions and hearing about the PXS passion of the moment! He was a master of story telling, (rarely a short story). A kind, smart, fun guy to know with a mind like a trap for the important and the insignificant. He will be missed by those who loved him most and those fortunate enough to call him a friend. May you be comforted by great memories of him and the wisdom he shared.
Sherry
Condolences.
Sharon Lawler
Sharon and family, it was a shock to hear that Phil died. So sorry. Condolences and prayers from Larry and me. We plan to come for visitation. I have a bright, energetic great-nephew in first grade named Xavier. I can remember Phil now when I watch that young one grow and achieve. See you Soon.
Sharon Lawler
Dear Senger family,
Dan and I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Phil was really a great guy! We both enjoyed and appreciated his keen interest, his love of good discussions, his incredible knowledge and ability to listen and respond academically and sincerely to any subject. His sensitivity and wonderful sense of humor were a bonus! Phil made a mark and remained so humble. Genuine. Kind. Thoughtful. Compassionate. Fun and funny. Smart. He was all these things and more. We are saddened that he is no longer this side of heaven because his presence will be greatly missed. But we are comforted knowing he is now in the very Presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May you all find peace in that knowledge as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love in Him, Judy and Dan Clark
