Saw Gov. Tim Walz this morning at my husband's Memorial.
Last edited Fri May 23, 2025, 08:08 AM - Edit history (1)
My husband of 53 years, Phil Castrovinci, died on May 18th of Congestive Heart Failure, coupled with Type II Diabetes, resulting in organ failure.
But he and Tim Walz go way back to late January or early February 2005 when they attended Camp Wellstone together over in St. Paul. Tim had not yet decided to run for Congress and was getting acquainted as to how to start the process. My husband had been involved in Minnesota Politics at the grass roots level since the 2000 election. We both were.
Since that initial meeting, my husband began helping Tim with things, as well as his decision to retire from the Army National Guard. Tim was still teaching and coaching at Mankato West High School at the time. When he did file with the FEC, he announced his official decision and we drove over to Mankato to witness it. We were on his team from the very start. We began to form a good friendship with him and Gwen.
The rest is history as we worked on every Congressional campaign, went to many events for him in the 1st CD, held fundraisers, even on the 2018 Governor's race. 2022 was when we moved from Southeast Minnesota to Eden Prairie.
On Monday, I reached out to Gwen and she responded right away. She was not sure if she and Tim could make the time to come to my husband's Celebration of Life, but they did. Not as Governor and First Lady of the State, but as dear friends who were mourning the loss of a friend along with me. Both Tim and Gwen gave me big hugs. He let me know that Keith Ellison knew(he and Phil were dear friends), Ken Martin (DNC Chair), and others in the Administration knew also. Phil knew many in St. Paul. Tim and Gwen stayed for a bit before having to leave, as to not draw attention away from the main purpose of the event.
I was consoled and told, "We will be in touch."
Tim Walz would have made an awesome VP. But still at the helm of Minnesota, he will remain a dear and close personal friend for the rest of my life anyway. My son did not know his dad and I knew personally the man who would not only be our Congressman for 12 years, but our Governor for almost 8.
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for your loss. 
husband's passing, ProudMNDemocrat 
.
I'm so glad that Gov Tim Walz and FL Gwen could be there for you and you son at his Celebration of Life.. and quite an amazing Life it was.
💙🌈
How wonderful of the Governor and his wife to come for awhile. My heart feels your pain. 
🙏🏻
He sounds like a wonderful husband and human being.
and what a wonderful story!
hugz,
Cel
man. I wish you strength and peace on your journey forward.
It sounds like you and your husband made a strong team, working to make Minnesota AND the country a better place!
I'm sure there are MANY who will miss him.
to all who knew and loved your husband, and healing vibes to you and your family.
I'm glad Tim & Gwen were there go offer support and comfort.
Right on!
Phil sounds like a wonderful man.
never be replaced.
I'm very sorry for your loss. It must have been some comfort that Gov. Walz and Gwen came to his memorial service.
You were lucky to have such deeply held, common values with your beloved; the rest of us were lucky to have the two of you walking your deeply ethical, compassionate walk.
I'm glad you have Tim Walz's friendship as you grieve. I hope you have lots of other support, too.
