Anthony McPhee

About Tony

Anthony (Tony) McPhee, 93, of Shevlin, Minnesota passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.

Anthony (Tony) McPhee’s parents were Francis and Beatrice (Pawek) McPhee. He was the oldest of seven children. Beatrice, William, Alexander, John, James and Leo.

Tony attended grade school in Shevlin, MN and graduated from Bagley High School. Tony loved music and was active in the Bagley Marching Band. After graduating Tony enrolled in Bemidji State College where he planned to study history.

He married Betty Bull in 1950 and they had 6 children. During this time, Tony enrolled in the military and served from 1950-1974.

He was active in the National Guard and started his career at the Great Northern Railroad, which eventually merged with Burlington Northern Railroad. He took great pride in being an agent telegrapher and teaching all of his children Morse code. His depot was often filled with his children’s laughter and even sometimes chirping baby chicks. Tony retired from the railroad in 1986.

Tony had always enjoyed driving truck on the weekends and holidays throughout his career. Often taking a child or two along with him on these long rides and singing along with Johnny Cash.

In 1984, Tony married LaVonne (Linde) Hanson. Along with this special union he also doubled the size of his family and soon became a proud father of twelve. Eventually growing to include 28 grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Tony and Lavonne shared many interests. They enjoyed traveling and visited 49 states together. When asked why he didn’t travel to Hawaii, Tony always said, “Why would he want to go there when there was so much to explore here.”

Tony was finally able to fulfill his lifelong dream of purchasing his own truck when he and Lavonne established their own trucking business, The McPhee Interstate Express, in 1994. They hauled Polaris snowmobiles all over the USA.

During retirement, Tony enjoyed starting his day at the D&R cafe. Friends and family could typically find him sitting at the round table. The waitresses knew what he wanted before he even sat down - 2 eggs scrambled and toast.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lavonne; his children Teresa (Marco) Unruh, Barbara (Fred) Lacina, Jane (Mike) Woods, and Scott (Amy) McPhee as well as his Hanson Family Marlin (Laurie), Jeff (Alicia), Kevin (Lynette), Keith, Scott (Heidi), Steve (Stephanie).

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sister; 2 sons: Roy and Richard McPhee, as well as a grand daughter and a few great grandchildren.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Tony

May 27, 2022

Cease Family Funeral Home 407 Getchell Ave NE, Bagley, MN 56621, USA

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Victory Cemetery at a later date.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home