E. Philip Dahlberg

Edward Philip (Phil) Dahlberg, PhD, P.E., was born August 8, 1937 in Chicago, IL to Edward Dahlberg and Christine Frisk Dahlberg. He died on May 26, 2018 at the age of 80 years in Houston, Texas after an extended illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Dorothy Berg and Diane Nedved, his nephew Eric Berg, and brother-in-law Roy Berg. 

He will be missed by his loving family:   wife, Naomi Nelson of Houston; his children Amy Dahlberg of Port Townsend, WA, Susan Dahlberg of Springfield, OR, Charles Philip Frisk of Somerville, New Jersey,  Margret Dahlberg of Kenosha, WI;   Naomi’s son and Phil’s bonus son Opie Otterstad,  his grandson and namesake Tristram Dahl Otterstad , the mother of his children Nancy Dahlberg, numerous nieces and nephews, his brother-in-law, Kimball Nedved , his daughter-in-law, Buffy Otterstad, and Naomi’s brothers – David, Eldon, and Stephen Nelson and their families. 

Phil was a quiet and gentle man – an uncomplaining man who ‘never had a bad day’ even with many health concerns. He was a man content with the routines of life, who saw the light in others and was easily stirred by musical and artistic contributions of his children, cross-country Volkswagen bus family trips, and interactions with friends and loved ones.  He didn’t have a judgment bone in his body.  He was a keen observer of politics and was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.  Few knew that he was also an accomplished juggler and yoyoer. 

At the young age of 18, Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shimer College (a Great Books College) in Mt. Carroll, IL.  He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Northwestern University in Chicago, and a PhD in metallurgical engineering and materials science from the University of Florida.  Phil spent his entire working career in the field of metal failure analysis while employed by The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., Universal Oil Products in Chicago, Exxon Nuclear in Richland, WA,  Failure Analysis Associates in Houston, and 27 years at Metallurgical Consultants in Houston (now Element Technology).  He was an adjunct professor of engineering at the University of Houston and Illinois Institute of Technology.  Phil was elected a Fellow of the international ASM engineering society for his “significant research contributions in electron microscope fractography.”

Phil was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church for over 40 years and during his healthier years served on numerous commissions of Christ the King Church Council and the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod Council.  Two of his earlier involvements were assisting Vietnam refugees in their Houston resettlement and together with Donna Dieter, implementing the Shrove Tuesday supper.  He also volunteered with the AIDS Foundation of Houston, the Houston Food Bank, the Boy Scouts of America, Bread for the World, Clay Arts Museum & Education Organization (CAMEO), the HISD science fairs, and the mentoring of many engineering students and professionals. 

Memorials may be sent to Christ the King Lutheran Church, Bread for the World,  425 3rd St. SW #1200, Washington DC 20024, or the charity of your choice.