Phil Westlund

Phillip “Phil” David Westlund, 58, of Phoenix, AZ went to play ball in Heaven on May 10, 2024, in Phoenix, AZ.   Phil was born on May 4, 1966, in Chicago Heights, Illinois to John D Westlund and Kathryn M (Friend) Westlund.  Phil was blessed to have 2 younger sisters also, Janice (Westlund) Scornavacco and Erica (Westlund) Harris.   Phil married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Cindy (Strubbe) Westlund on February 1, 1992, in Lake Zurich, IL.  

Phil was a 1984 graduate of Homewood Flossmoor High School, having wrestled and played baseball.  He went on to study at Illinois State University and was an active member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.  After graduating in 1988 with a degree in Economics and Business, he immediately went to work for Fastenal Corporation.   Phil and Cindy lived in Glendale Heights, IL before moving out to Phoenix, AZ in October 1992.  Upon moving to Phoenix, Phil became Quality Assurance Manager for the Principal Financial Group for about a decade before going into business full time with his father as owner/inspector of J. Dewey Property Inspection. 

Phil was also predeceased by his loving mother Kathryn Westlund and his mother-law-Kathleen Strubbe.   Phil is survived by his father John Westlund; wife of 32 years Cindy (Strubbe) Westlund, and their 4 children Carter, Lauren, Caylin, and Kyle Westlund; sister and brother-in law Janice (Westlund) & Scott Scornavacco and their 3 children Mia, Charlie, and Sam Scornavacco; sister and brother-in-law Erica (Westlund) & Paul Harris and their 3 boys Wyatt, Adam, and Eli Harris; father-in-law Thomas Strubbe; brother-in-law and wife Scott & Brittny Strubbe and their 2 children Ireland and TJ Strubbe; brother-in-law Steven Strubbe and his son Gavin Strubbe; sister-in-law and husband Victoria (Strubbe) & Michael Zindell and their 2 boys Sterling and Pierson Zindell.

Phil was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend to all who knew him.  First and foremost, he loved his family!  He also enjoyed good food, travelling, and watching his children enjoy their extra-curricular activities (lacrosse, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, and basketball).   Phil and Cindy loved exploring new places domestically and abroad both prior to having children and then when they were old enough to appreciate it as well.  During the kids’ younger years, Disney, Legoland, and SeaWorld were the favorite attractions.

Phil was kind, gentle, loving, quick-witted, smart, funny, athletic, supportive, a true animal lover (especially dogs and cats), a movie watcher, music lover, avid reader, fisherman, car enthusiast, and of sports lover (especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, Chicago Bulls Jordan Era, AZ Cardinals, and NCAA sports).

Phil will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.   While our hearts mourn the loss of our beloved Phil, we take comfort knowing he is no longer suffering.   We will cherish the fond memories that we hold in our heart.   We know he’s our angel watching out for us from above!

There will be 2 Celebration of Life events to honor Phil’s life.   In Phoenix, AZ Phil’s Celebration of Life Open House will be held on July 13, 2024, at 2pm at the private residence at 432 W Thunderhill Drive: Phoenix, AZ 85045.   In Deerfield, IL Phil’s Celebration of Life Open House will be held on August 4, 2024, at 2pm at private residence at 646 Deerpath Drive; Deerfield, IL 60015.  By honor of Phil’s final wishes, remains will be spread near Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, and Notre Dame Stadium. 

Donations may be made in Phil’s name to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, which is so very near and dear to our hearts; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or any charity that is special to you.

We will always love Phil and cherish the great memories of him in our hearts.