Phillip E. Bede was born on March 18,1932 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Edward and Marguerite Bede. Phillip, known as Phil or Rev. Bede to most people, was the youngest of five, three brothers and one sister who all preceded him in death. His siblings were Betty, Gerald, Robert and Edward; Phil often remarked that not only were his siblings born in this order but also died in the same chronology. He enjoyed playing sports with his brothers and being spoiled by his sister since he was the baby of the family. The family resided in Beatrice, Nebraska where he attended Beatrice High and played football for the Orangemen. After high school and a few college classes, he served in the Army for three years.
After Phil’s military service, he decided to go into the ministry in the tradition of the United Methodist Church. He began his 40-year ministry career in Benson as the Youth Director at St. Paul Methodist Church where he met his future wife, Mary Ann Francisco. They were married on August 20,1955 at Pearl Church and were united for 68 years. Mary Ann passed away on March 31st, just a few months before Phil. They had one son, Randall (Randy) James in Omaha before moving temporarily to Colorado where their daughter, Sandra (Sandi) Kay, was born. Phil graduated from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver and began his pastoral ministry in Cheraw, Colorado. From there, the young family moved back to Nebraska where Phil served as a United Methodist minister in central and southcentral Nebraska including the communities of Bertrand, Alma, Cheney, DeWitt, Schuyler, Clarks, Shelby/Rising City, Surprise and Columbus. Phil also taught English at Millard Lefler, Omaha Westside and Platte College in Columbus at various times throughout his career.
Phil is remembered by his friends and family for his extraordinary memory and ability to engage with everyone about something of interest to them. Because of his long and varied career in the ministry, he had met literally thousands of people. Phil had an amazing ability to remember people’s names, their families and something about them that he could recall years later. He was a human encyclopedia of Nebraska facts, figures and families and had almost instant recall years later of small, yet relevant details. Most people remember Phil as having the ability to make others feel comfortable around him with his easy, familiar and caring style. Later in life, he lost most of his sight, but could identify people by the sound of their voice or laugh. It was a gift to be around a person like Phil who truly listened.
Phillip passed away on August 8, 2024. He is survived by his two children, Randy Bede, Sandi (Rod) Carstensen; three grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon Amirie) Carstensen, Molly Carstensen and Jake Carstensen; great-granddaughter, Sophia Carstensen; sister-in-law, Jean Francisco; many nephews, nieces other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 16th at Christ United Methodist Church (4530 A Street) at 11:00 am. The service will be followed by a light lunch and fellowship. For those who may chose, Memorial contributions can be made to Christ UMC.
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