Phillip James Tichenor Obit

PHILLIP JAMES TICHENOR passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 12, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital following a stroke suffered on March 7 while living at the Heartwood Senior Living Center in Crosby. He was born on July 31, 1931, in Sparta WI, the son of Victor and Esther (Wegner) Tichenor. He grew up on a small farm near Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1947. Following high school, he worked as a farm hand for his brother for a year, after which time he gained admission to the University of Wisconsin (Madison), graduating with a degree in rural sociology and journalism in 1951. He was commissioned, through ROTC, into the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant following his graduation. He served in the Toul-Nancy region of France in a combat engineering company. Following his tour in the army he rejoined the University environment gaining a master’s degree, writing and publishing agriculture-related science articles and ultimately earning a doctorate degree from Stanford University. Phil and Eileen (Woodworth) were married in Shamrock, WI, on June 16, 1956. Following their marriage, they settled in Falcon Heights, and later Shoreview. He was a Professor at the University of Minnesota, in both the departments of Rural Sociology and Journalism. He published many books and articles in the fields of mass communication, public opinion, rural sociology, science writing and co-authored as part of a triumvirate that produced and patented the Knowledge Gap Thesis. They purchased lake property in Aitkin County in 1958 and created a wonderful haven, known as “The Round Lake Cabin;” a lifetime of fond memories for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Following Eileen’s death in 2003, He and Joan (Huyck) were married and enjoyed their final years together. He was preceded in death by his first wife Eileen, second wife Joan (nee Donaghy), parents, brothers Lorraine, sister-in-law Teresa (nee Schmidt), Louis, Sister-in-law Polly (nee Duren), Earl, Sister-in-law Marge (nee Olson), Son-in-law Craig Goeser, and three infant grandchildren. He is survived by daughter Lani (Bob) Beall, sons Terry, daughter-in-law LeAnn (nee Birklid), son Michael, daughter-in-law Becky (nee Boucher), step-son Randall Huyck, step- daughter-in-law Karen Huyck, step-son Jon Huyck, step-daughter-in-law Rachael Huyck, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service is planned on July 29 at the Brooklyn United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center. Visitation will commence at 4 p.m.; Service at 5 p.m. and reception dinner at 6 p.m. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.