Phillip "Phil" Carl Backberg Obit

PHILLIP "PHIL" CARL BACKBERG, 87, of Mission, passed away on April 30, 2025 at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s in Brainerd. He was born to Carl and Alice (Juergens) Backberg on Dec. 26, 1937 in Bartlett Township. He graduated from Staples High School and attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. He married Myrna “Babe” Dobson on July 5, 1958 in Bartlett Township. He was shift foreman and estimator at Lakeland Color Press, owned and operated Backberg Construction (still worked after sons took over the business), Mayor for the City of Riverton, President of the C-I Quarterbacks Club, and a member of the Crosslake Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Babe, brother Gordon, brothers-in-law Joe Dobson, Henry Hertel, Garvin Smith and Wendell Kimber; and his son-in-law Charles Klippenes. He is survived by his children: Dan and Barb Backberg, Punta Gorda, FL; Laurie and Greg Meller, Riverton; Bruce Backberg, Mission Township; Brenda Booth, Brainerd; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; special friend, Karen McGuire, Baxter; sister Harriet Smith Kimber, Bertha; sisters and brother-in-law Darlene and Mike Hawks, Riverton and Donna Hertel, Brainerd;  and several nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 1 at 11 a.m. at the Crosslake Lutheran Church. Visitation is one hour prior to the Celebration at the church. A private burial will be held.