In loving memory of

Phil Faaborg
February 5, 1932 - January 29, 2019

Phil Faaborg, 86, of Dallas City, Illinois died January 29, 2019 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois.
A Joyous Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, Iowa.

Tributes

Chad Palmer wrote on Feb 13, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of Phils passing. I really enjoyed knowing him and working with him. We met while he was at Pzazz. "

Jack and Marge Wilhelm wrote on Feb 8, 2019:

"Bev and family, You have our very deepest, heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Phil. We are so happy to have known Phil. We so enjoyed our evening in your home those many years ago. We received our back Burlington Hawkeye papers this morning or we would not have known of Phil's passing. We will certainly keep you and your family in our prayers and hope that we might be able to see you and catch up on news one of these days. Jack and Marge Wilhelm on Feb. 8, 2019"

Paul Schmidt wrote on Feb 6, 2019:

"I met Phil for the first time at the junior high school library at Robinson Barracks, a US Army post near Stuttgart, Germany. We had just moved there from the US, and I had less than one year playing tuba. I had been playing a little Eb tuba at my previous band in the States, but had been informed that the new school in Robinson Barracks only had BBb sousaphones, and I (still a little kid) was quite scared that the change would be insurmountable. My mother took me to the school, where she had asked Phil to meet me. His approach to the situation, and his personal humor, put me at ease, and instilled confidence that I would have no problem with the transition. My long history of favorable experiences with Phil continued from that day. Phil later wrote a 'concerto' for me, when my parents bought an alpenhorn in Switzerland, and Phil decided that I was just the guy to play the piece, which was premiered in the junior high school gymnasium. It was the first time I had played a solo on anything in front of an audience. As others have commented, it can be critically important for budding musicians to have good experiences with their first teachers/band directors. I got a great start in the States with another amazing director, Norbert Meier in Mascoutah, Illinois. Having the good luck to follow up with Phil (continuing with where Norb left off) in my musical education is something I have always felt was fundamental to the fact that I have continued in a vibrant musical life that has extended into my 60s. (Having musical parent did not hurt either, but without teacher/directors like Norb and Phil, I probably would have been limited to messing around on a piano at home from time to time, as opposed to being a busy multi-instrumental performer). I can say without reservation that Phil was one of the most influential teachers I ever had. But Phil did not stop with teaching me band skills and love of performing music with others. He taught me some basic electricity, since he was also the school's AV repair person, and let me help. He taught me to fly RC airplanes, and one of the last things we did together before Phil's heath problems worsened was to go flying at the RC airfield near Burlington. It is probably rare for young students to remain good friends with their teachers in later life, but I have been so lucky to count myself of one of Phil's friends, and to remain so with Bev and his family today. Rest easy, Phil......."

Gail Johnson, class of '77 wrote on Feb 4, 2019:

"Mr. Faaborg was my band director when I was in 7th and 8th grade in Stuttgart, Germany. He was my favorite teacher by far. His skill, dedication and humor made we want to do my best. When I expressed a desire to improve my flute skills, he volunteered to stay after school every Friday for several months working with me. What a gift of his time!! In thanks, I learned to knit and knit him a red tie, which ended up way too long but he wore it to school one day anyway, bless him!! Several years ago I read a friend's master's thesis on what factors exist that make it more likely a student will continue in music after graduation. Opportunities to play as an adult and music being a family language were among the factors listed but the strongest indicator was having a close connection with a caring and influential music teacher. Phil Faaborg was just that!! God's warmest blessings him and his family."

Jim Wilt, ND class of '79 wrote on Feb 4, 2019:

"Mr. Faaborg was my band director and geometry teacher at Notre Dame. Without a doubt, he was one of the most memorable, unique and multi-talented people I have ever met. This world is better because of him and now he will do the same for Heaven."

Angie wrote on Feb 2, 2019:

"Phil, I?ll always remember our friendship! Many years of friendship! The tears roll down my cheeks as you leave us. Your great mind your efforts to always make something better. Teaching youngsters, your love for Bev and the boys, your seeet mama. I have fond memories of your expertise to help the paper route expand in my tender years of fourteen! Your fabulous idea!!! Rest well good man. Until we meet again! God will richly bless you and your family! "

Lynette Heckenberg wrote on Feb 2, 2019:

"I am so sorry for your loss, Bev. Praying you find comfort in loved ones and sweet memories. You and Phil were one of the most amazing couples I have ever met. "

Kela Lehman wrote on Feb 1, 2019:

"Oh my gosh Phil, you were an amazing person and I treasure the many years we sang together in bel canto chorale. You were hilariously funny, creative, kind, strong yet gentle. Your mansion on the bluff was a work of art. Prayers go out to your family for the loss of such a blessed soul."