Philip John Pense, Jr. was born November 1, 1950 to Philip John and Phyllis (Brevik) Pense of Lucas, South Dakota and he died January 23, 2007 at Radar Hill, near Pickstown, South Dakota of natural causes.

Philip attended Riverview School during his elementary years and graduated from Burke High School in 1969. After graduation, he ranched on the family land overlooking the Missouri River.

In April of 1981, Philip was united in marriage to Cynthia Johnson at Mitchell, South Dakota. To this union two sons, Philip John III and Theron, were born. In 1986, the family moved to Conway, New Hampshire , and in January of 1990 Philip returned to South Dakota. While living in Sioux Falls, he was employed by Beck and Hofer Construction. During 1998, Philip and Philip John returned to live at the ranch in Gregory County. Philip reestablished Pense Motor Express, which was a trucking company his father started in 1936.

Philip was an accomplished welder, mechanic, carpenter and story teller. He cherished his 28 years of sobriety. He spent many happy and special times with friends while on his Harley, "Edna". Philip enjoyed being the "crew" on Philip John"s race care, #13 III, and was proud of Theron"s athletic ability as a skier. He had an easy smile, made friends with people wherever he went in life and the coffee pot was always on at his house.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Phil in 1974 and Phyllis in 1986 and by his nephew, Michael Rolf in 1994.

Philip is survived by his sons: Philip John Pense III of Lucas, SD; Theron Pense of Conway, NH; his sisters: JoAnn (Derald) Vaughn of Burke, SD; Lenna (Jim) Olsen of Sioux Falls, SD; niece, Kim (Thad) Davis of Butte, NE; nephews: Marcus (Melissa) Rolf of Burke, SD; Patrick (Krystal) Vaughn of Burke, SD; niece-in-law, Dana (Tracey) Stranger of Bowling Green, KY; four great-nieces and seven great-nephews; his aunt, Adelene Pense of Burke, SD; uncles: Howard Pense of Tacoma, WA; Wesley Stinton of Burke, SD; and Merle Malcolm of Puyallup, WA as well as many cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Civic Center in Burke. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 8 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service, at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.