Philip Rognlie

Philip Rognlie was born May 20, 1918 in Esmond, ND to Paul and Julianne (Jensen) Rognlie. Phil grew up on the North Dakota prairie during the Great Depression, and as a baby, he survived the great flu epidemic of 1918. He graduated high school at Esmond. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Mayville State College, a Master’s Degree from NDSU, and advanced doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Philip taught in Dazey, ND and also served as the School Principle before moving to Fargo where he taught for many years at Central High School. While teaching at Central High, he was named “Fargo Teacher of the Year”. Philip served as the North Dakota Director of the National Education Association as well as Administrator for the Veterans and Youth Education programs at NDSU. Philip was a Fulbright Scholar. Philip was a great historian. He had a wonderful sense of humor, an incredible memory, and was a captivating storyteller. He loved to travel, and read poetry and history.

Philip was in the Army during World War II and was part of the second wave of the Normandy invasion. During the war he was stationed in France, Belgium, and Germany.

Philip was a member of the Elks Club, Sons of Norway, Kiwanis, and numerous other professional organizations. He was a Sunday school teacher at First Lutheran Church for many years.

Philip married Margit Haslemo on February 21, 1973.

Philip died on May 12, 2015 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. He is survived by his wife, Margit, Fargo, ND; sons, Collin (Ayesha) Rognlie, Seattle WA; Paul Rognlie, Santa Fe, NM; Kevin (Jane) Rognlie, Portland, OR; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents.