To Bert, Jim & Susan -
So sorry to hear of the loss of Phil, one of the kindest gentleman I’ve known. He loved to socialize and even give us a hard time because he cared so much for all of us (and we certainly gave reason for concern). The man seemed to know everyone as so many were glad to see his bright smile. What a great role model. He’s got a special place in heaven because he truly lived with care and compassion. Peace be with you all.
Dan Johnson
December 23, 2020
What a gentle and friendly man he always was during our many interactions. Knew him as neighbor, friend, church and association at St. Luke’s. Always had time to visit and say something kind. During construction behind our home he observed 2 little neighbor boys watching each day and took photos than gifted them to their parents. They were touched. Roberta and family please accept our sincere sympathies. Pat and Ron
Pat and Ron Gonder
December 17, 2020
I'm so sorry Roberta for your loss. I first met Phil when David and I answered an ad for your fold-down camper. He was so proud of the great shape he had kept it in! And we knew you from 5E. Over the years I would run into him at St. Luke's and we would chat. He would always ask about my family. He was such a kind and gentle man. I will never forget his shy smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family.
Cathy Rammelsberg
December 16, 2020
I had the privilege of working and working out with Phil. He helped us check the fire safety of our schools, and he demonstrated his skill as a public servant in his years as a fire fighter. I join with those who are celebrating his life and contributions. A true gentleman. William C. Jacobson Jefferson High School principal.
William C. Jacobson
December 13, 2020
Jim and Saunders family -- I'm very sorry for your loss of Phil, a most wonderful man. I first met Phil (and Jim) when I was around 6 or 7 or so, through YMCA's Indian Guides -- from the start and throughout, Phil was outgoing, so friendly and welcoming, putting me at ease from the start -- that continued in every single encounter (many over the years) with Phil. I was always happy to see and talk with Phil -- he went out of his way to make you feel special -- in short, an inspirational man. (I also recall his love for VW Beetles, if I have that right.) The world lost a great one with Phil's passing, but his memories and inspiration remain. With sympathy, Tim Hill
Tim Hill
December 11, 2020
Phil was a very nice man. He cared for people. We will miss him. Please accept our prayers. God bless Phil and his family
Bill Chadima
December 11, 2020
Roberta and family, so very sorry to hear of Phil passing. I go to St Matt's Church, he was always a ray of sunshine when you would see him. He was so good to my Mom when she had knee surgery, went and visited with her, brighten up her day. May you know he was a great person, God is getting a good one. You will all see him again someday, but till then he will always be in your heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb Vajgrt
December 11, 2020
I worked with Phil through the fire department & Universal Engineering. He was a great man and I considered him a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Conrad Vaupel
Conrad Vaupel
December 10, 2020
I knew Phil from way back, FD days. And then from the church. He presided over my daughter's weeding a few years back, it was nice then to go back and share old memories. I remember him also sharing his story on the news about his motorcycle accident, he always cared about the safety of others. But then again, anyone reading this knew him, so I don't need to say much more. A true gentleman, never a mean word. "Respect"
Richard Struve
December 10, 2020
I am sad we have lost a special man. He shared his gifts with many. He was a beautiful example to those of us who knew him. Love and Prayers.
Gloria Kenney
December 10, 2020
Robbie & Family, I was so sorry to hear of your dear husband/father’s passing. I didn’t know Phil well but it is obvious reading these condolences just what kind of man he was...One in a Million I’d say. He appears to have left a very large footprint on this earth, a job well done. I know you & your family have many treasured memories to hold deep within your heart & soul. Those memories help those of us left on earth continue when God calls our loved ones home. Peace & Love to you all as Phil rests in our Lord’s loving embrace.
Donnette Hutchins
December 10, 2020
I’m sorry for your loss with Phil’s passing. I worked with Chief Saunders at the CRFD. A gentle giant who knew how to calm people down in the worst of situations. He always saw the best in people. He will be missed.
Brad Brennema
December 10, 2020
We had so many good visits! Lots of times spent at St Matthew’s either in liturgy committee or in sacristy before Mass! I know he is thrilled to be in Heaven for Christmas! Rip Phil!
Sally and Gene Kopecky
December 9, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I worked with him when I was a Housing Inspector for the City of Cedar Rapids. Phil spoke a few times at our conferences about fire prevention. I remember him as a great advocate of smoke detectors and sprinklers in the home. He was a very good shepherd for our community in so many ways, his gentle smile and chuckle will be missed.
Colette L Molumby
December 9, 2020
Phil was a dedicated Fire Marshal who helped Discovery Living protect its developmentally disabled residents in numerous group homes around the city. He was a true professional and civil servant in that role. He understood the importance of fire prevention--and helped us understand why the regulations mattered. Thanks, Phil, for what you did and the way you did it. Enjoy your heavenly home. Well done, good and faithful servant.
John Morris, Traverse City, MI
December 9, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Phil was the nicest guy. I worked for Area Ambulance and my husband, Tom, was with CRFD. Always enjoyed working with him and talking with him, which he obviously enjoyed as well??. You have my sympathy.
Patricia Malatek
December 9, 2020
I am a nurse at UnityPoint St. Luke's. Every Sunday evening when Phil was providing chaplain services he would take the time to come up to visit with me. We were both born and raised in Hopkinton and we would spend a few minutes catching up with the "HopTown" news. He gave so much of himself to so many people. He will be truly missed.
Julie Supple
December 9, 2020
My deepest sympathy. He was a deacon at St. Matthew and a neighbor of mine.
Linda Earley
December 9, 2020
Well done, well done, well done!
A faith-filled and faithful servant in the Catholic community and the greater Cedar Rapids community.
Loss prevention is the aim of a fire marshal and a deacon, one aiming at the valuables that attach to the home and the other at our souls.
Tireless, unflagging, single-minded and cheerfully we were all served by this man.
May all the Saints, Angels, Holy men and Holy women gather him into God's eternal Grace. And may God Bless the memory of Phil Saunders.
For friends and family, celebrate a life that can be captured with "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!" for your service to others.
Jeff Thorsteinson
December 9, 2020
I am so sorry to learn that Phil has passed away. We have been friends for a very long time and shared a real love of area history. Wife, Bert, was one of my very best secretaries ever, and it was always fun to have Phil stop in at the Grant Wood School media center to visit us at work. Phil was a very caring person and always a delight to talk with. I have only good memories of Phil, and to all of his family, I sincerely send my heartfelt sympathy and care.
Cindy Lundine
December 8, 2020
My sympathies to the loss of your Dad and Husband Jim and Mrs. Saunders. He will be missed. I will always remember Phil as the example of a respected civil servant, a faithful Catholic, a good man and a dedicated husband and father. He always seemed to have a positive attitude and a kind word, and always seemed genuinely interested in the well being of others. I hope your good memories of him comfort you in this time of grief.
Michael Fox
December 8, 2020
I worked with Phil at City Hall. Such an enjoyable person. I also had the privilege of his services as chaplain when my late husband was hospitalized. He's a special angel above now! Condolences to the family.
Ruth Noth
December 8, 2020
My sincere sympathies to the family. Phil always had a kind word and smile when I would see him at St Matthew and at Mercy coming to visit patients. A sad day. Blessings to the family.
Kathy Gretter
December 8, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I got to know Phil through my dad, Kenneth Anderson, who was Fire Marshal prior to Phil. Throughout the years after my dad died, I would see Phil out and about. One of the last times I saw him was when my mom was dying in the hospital. He was so comforting. Phil was a great man and he will be missed by many. You have my deepest sympathy.
Julie Anderson
December 8, 2020
I met Fire Marshal Saunders in 1979 when I started the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. He was my boss in 1978 until his retirement. Phil was a gentle man with a soft heart for all human beings - I admired that in him! I'll be seeing him again, however... I'm not in a hurry.
Jim Thatcher
December 8, 2020
So sorry to hear about Phil,such a nice guy and I always enjoyed visiting with you both.
Mary Mangold
December 8, 2020
Roberta and family,
Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers during your time of loss.
Chief Phil was always a delight to visit with especially after I called him "Chief." Good times and many laughs.
God's peace and blessings,
Deacon Bob and Barb Hurych
Deacon Robert Hurych
December 8, 2020
Robbie,
I am so very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I remember him as being an intelligent, well organized, kind & compassionate man. No better qualities to have. I hope your precious memories of him sustain you through this difficult time. Know that you are loved & supported always.
Sue Duffy
December 8, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Bert and the entire Saunders family. We have so many fond memories of our time at St. Matthew and more than a few of them relate to this good and faithful servant of the Lord. Never have felt more emotions during the Stations of the Cross than when he led them. Our loss is surely Heavens gain. May he rest in peace for a life well done.
Stephen, Carie and Joseph Kramer
December 8, 2020
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Phil brightened all of our lives by his example of faith and we have been blessed to know him. May our Lord comfort you and grant him eternal peace.
Ruth & David Fleming
December 8, 2020
So very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Thinking of you, Bert, and your family.
La Vera Ferguson
December 8, 2020