Philip F. Fandrei

Philip Fandrei, age 91 of Bloomington, passed into the arms of Jesus in the early morning of November 12, 2024. He drifted away from this world hearing one of his favorite sounds: the sound of his daughter’s voice, singing to him the Aaronic blessing.

Phil was born to Fred and Norma Fandrei on September 23, 1933 in Hammond, Indiana. His favorite childhood memories involved playing sports and fly fishing. He continued to enjoy fishing as his favorite hobby throughout his life; his grandson, Patrick, refers to his grandfather as “the best fisherman in Minnesota.”

Phil served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1955. During this time, he met and married Margaret Whiting. They had two children, Sandra Lynn and James Douglas. Wendy Lynn joined their family in 1968. Margaret and Phil’s marriage ended in divorce in 1978.

In the 1930’s Phil’s father, Fred Fandrei, invented and trademarked a revolutionary product that could bring second chances to old, dilapidated motors. Sea Foam was trademarked in 1943, and his father sold Sea Foam as a hobby. In 1980, Phil purchased the company from his father. Phil’s impactful sales approach of giving live demonstrations on old motors was ground-breaking at the time.

Phil met LaVerne Juncewski at a Bible study in 1981, and they married on October 2, 1982. As the Sea Foam business grew, they found opportunities to share the Gospel message. Phil’s reverberant, booming tenor voice was never shy about His faith: he blessed others through song, testimony and prayers. He regularly shared, “May God Bless and keep you always and in all ways!” Phil and LaVerne shared their gifts of ardent prayers, time, and resources with others, unabashedly proclaiming that any gifts were from God alone: “To God be the glory for the things He has done!” Phil and LaVerne recognized the growth of Sea Foam as a blessing from God, and he mentored other entrepreneurs to have a firm foundation with Jesus Christ as the center. Phil and LaVerne’s commitment to Christian benevolence has inspired and touched innumerable lives. Today, the Sea Foam company is one of the best-selling fuel additives in the world, and the company continues to be dedicated to Christian charitable causes locally and abroad.

As we mourn the loss of a gregarious, philanthropic, gifted, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, mentor, and dear friend, we are comforted by God’s reassurance that this life is not the end; we will rejoice together in Heaven someday. Phil’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, and he proclaimed, testified, and invited all to remember: “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.”

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Norma Fandrei and his sister, Marilyn Blakeslee.

Phil was survived by his wife of 42 years, LaVerne (Juncewski); his daughter, Sandy (Neal) Howard; his son, James (Vickie) Fandrei, and Wendy Lynn Krantz; his nephew, Steven (Nancy) Blakeslee; 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, there are many extended family members, including special friends and adopted grandchildren who have been mesmerized, inspired, and who will continue to be a testament to Phil’s legacy.

In lieu of flowers and in Phil’s spirit of giving, the family requests that you consider giving from your heart and not for any recognition to: Health Partners Hospice, City Life Center, Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, Emmaus Free Lutheran Church, or to your local shelters and food banks.