Philip Ernest Pulkrabek

Age 66 of Hutchinson. Our brother Philip Ernest Pulkrabek lived a full life but not an easy one. Born on June 25, 1950, one of twins, Brother Paul did not survive the traumatic birth but Phil did although not without serious complications. These complications affected Phil all his life, but Phil never considered himself different. He laughed and cried and loved. He lived independently for 50 years. He worked...hard! Phil spent 24 years working at Fairview Riverside Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he made a solid contribution to the mailroom and made friends with coworkers who accepted and respected him. Almost 5 years after Phil left Fairview, his old boss was still calling him to keep track of one of his most dependable people. Philip loved his family. Mother, Violette, and Father, Ernest, were his rocks and he idolized them. Since Phil couldnt drive, Ernie would drive to Minneapolis every Friday and bring Phil home for the weekend and drive him back to Minneapolis every Sunday. When asked what Phil wanted to do for vacation he would say, Go home. Phil also liked to spend time with his brothers, Dave and Tim, and sister, Lynn, and their families. Little ones loved Uncle Phil who would play almost as enthusiastically as they did. Phils favorite things were uncomplicated and fun: family gatherings, good food, cards, driving golf carts and boats, watching sports (though he never confessed to liking any team) and saving money! He had a passion and a talent for numbers and dates that amazed anyone who knew him. About 8 weeks ago, Philips 13 year slow dance with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (a type of bone marrow/blood cancer) changed radically. The disease became extremely aggressive at the same time that Phil developed a persistently nasty infection. Phils body lost the ability to fight, and he went on life support. He passed quickly and gently on October 6, 2016 with his brothers by his side and Mom and Dad waiting with open arms. Philip Ernest Pulkrabek is preceeded in dealth by his parents, Violette and Ernest Pulkrabek; numerous aunts and uncles; and niece, Amie Mae, daughter of Patricia and Tim Pulkrabek. Phil is survived by brothers, David (Roxanne) Pulkrabek, Tim (Patricia) Pulkrabek; sister, Lynn Jacobson; and numerous nephews and nieces. We will miss you, Phil, and thank our Lord God for your time here on earth and your eternal place in our hearts. A Celebration of Phils Life will be 2 PM Friday, October 14th at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 460 Lake St. SW, Hutchinson 55350 with visitation beginning at 1 PM until time of service. Interment to follow at Oakland Cemetery.