Obituary of Phil Checkel

Philip Checkel

April 19, 1930 – February 27, 2023

Phil was born in the old farmhouse south of Fleet, the eighth of nine children born to Zena and Mike Checkel. 

Phil began school at Lake Thelma and graduated high school in Castor.  After graduation he returned to farming.  In 1960 he married Betty and built a house for them on the family farm.  Around this time Phil took over the farm along with brothers Tony and Bill.  Soon Phil and Betty were blessed with two children, Gwen and Terry.

Over the years Phil kept busy with farming and was particularly proud of his cattle herd, which were almost like pets to him.  He also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, building additions to the house, a garage with workshop and many pieces of furniture. 

As the years went on the brothers divided the farm.  Phil semi-retired, keeping a few cattle, allowing more time to spend with Betty and his grandchildren, traveling in their camper van, enjoying fishing and golfing.

They stayed on the farm as long as they could, eventually moving to Halkirk.  They lived there until Phil chose to move to the Paintearth Lodge in Castor.

Phil is survived by his loving family, daughter Gwen (Pat) Kroetsch; son Terry (Deborah) Checkel; grandsons Jesse Kroetsch (Lindsay McNena), Tom Kroetsch, Phil Checkel (Ivy Lapointe); numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.  Phil was predeceased by his wife Betty, brothers Ed, Mike, Tony, and Bill, sisters Anne, Mary, Lil, and Tina.

A funeral service for the late Phil Checkel will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at the Knox United Church, Castor, Alberta.