Philip Joseph Gernes

About Phil

Philip J Gernes, 77, of Minneapolis, Minn., died unexpectedly on July 20, 2021, at Hennepin Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Phil was born in Winona on November 10, 1943. His grandfather affectionately called Winona “God’s Country,” and Phil agreed.

Phil grew up exploring the area bluffs and streams, learning to swim, fish and water ski on the Mississippi River, and by age 10, he was already an expert swimmer. To his parents’ dismay, he would swim across the main channel … alone.

Later, while in Cotter High School, he and his lifelong friends established “The Ski Squad” in the Prairie Island backwaters.

He was a lifelong advocate of nature conservancy and became a charter member of Citizens for a Clean Mississippi.

Phil attended St. Mary’s and Winona State universities where he majored in sociology and business administration, which lead him to his career path of sales. It was in his DNA. Phil convinced his father on the advantage of product branding for the family business, coining “Bloedow’s Little Bake Shop on Broadway” and helping design the ubiquitous baker logo that remains on the bakery to this day.

Phil held numerous sales positions throughout his career. He tremendously enjoyed his travels selling dental and medical supplies, but found his true niche in high-end men’s apparel at Simm’s in Wayzata, Minn., and later at Al Johnson’s in Edina, Minn. He wore it well, both figuratively and literally. He was an exceptionally well-dressed man.

Phil was looking forward to the 100th anniversary of Bloedow’s Bakery, which was established by his grandfather, Ernest Bloedow, in 1924, as it was there where he learned to cook and bake, which were lifelong hobbies. Phil was also a master gardener, growing the cucumbers and legendary tomatoes which he canned for his homemade salsas and “Phil’s Dills.”

Phil will be remembered as a classy, thought provoking wit, and the life of the party. Privately, he was thoughtful, reflective and quietly spiritual; a kind and gentle man whose grandchildren were the light of his life. He will be dearly missed by all.

Phil is survived by Georgianna (Ginny Loomis) Gernes; daughter, Vanessa, of New York; son, Phil (Nikki); grandchildren, Bradyn and Kinley, of Eagan Minn.; brothers, Ernest (Darleen), Tom (Peggi) Gernes; and nieces and nephews, Danny, Chris, Julius, Marcus, Sue, Thor, David, Mary Jo, Katie, Sairey, and Tyler and Jay Loomis.

Phil was preceded in death by Julius W. and Mildred Bloedow Gernes; and brothers, Julius E (Lois), Richard (Linda), and Herbert (Patricia).

memorial service

Memorial Mass

August 11, 2021

Cathedral of Sacred Heart 360 Main St, Winona, MN 55987, USA

Visitation from 9:30 - 11:00 A.M.

Luncheon to follow service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services