Phyllis Mahler

Phyllis Claire Mahler passed away peacefully surrounded by many family members on August 22, 2018 at St. Mary's hospital. She left us with a last squeeze of a great granddaughter's hand. Phyllis was born on May 10, 1921 in Winnebago, MN. She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1939. It was during high school that she met her future husband, Rick, which began a romance that lasted for 80years. They were married on December 5, 1944 in Pensacola, Florida where Rick was serving in the U.S. Navy as a fighter pilot instructor. After the War ended, Phyllis and Rick began raising a family in Baltimore and Minneapolis where Rick was employed as a Special Agent of the FBI before being transferred to the Rochester, MN office in 1958. Phyllis received her nursing degree in 1942 and worked at St. Barnabas hospital in Minneapolis. After their move to Rochester, Phyllis was employed as a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic for many years. After she retired, she served as a Pink Lady until 2015. She was one of the six original founding members of the Friends of Mayowood, spending countless hours along with Rick tending the gardens at Mayowood. A tree was planted in their honor in recognition of their efforts. Phyllis was a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed her years participating in church activities. She recently attended a luncheon with Rick at the church for 50 year or more members. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Richard, of 73 years, 3children, Will (Sarah) of Rochester, Mary (Gary) of Hummelstown, PA and Susan of Minneapolis, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a niece, Barbara Huisingh of Englewood, WA. She was preceded in death by her son Thomas. Phyllis' warm and gentle presence will be missed by many. A funeral service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 29th at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com