Phyllis Gramenz

Phyllis June Gramenz, age 99, of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025. Born on August 2, 1926, in St. Paul, Phyllis was the daughter of Henry and Lottie (Underhill) Reider. Growing up in Stillwater, she graduated from Stillwater High School in 1944 and created a life filled with love and laughter.

In 1947, Phyllis met her future husband, Edward Gramenz, in a charming way - by sharing her beer with him at a hotel bar when supplies ran low after World War II! The couple married on July 28, 1947 in Iowa City, Iowa, and together they raised a large family, welcoming 11 children into their hearts and home. Sadly, Edward passed away in 1966, but Phyllis continued to embody strength and compassion throughout her life.

Phyllis was a devoted homemaker who took pride in her family and created a warm and welcoming home. She loved sewing and had a knack for finding treasures at garage sales. She was a passionate supporter of her family, always ready to lend a hand or offer a comforting word. Phyllis possessed a love of music and singing, filling her home with melodies and laughter. She had a beautiful voice that brought happiness to those around her. Phyllis was known for her quick wit and funny one-liners, delighting everyone around her with her humor. She will be deeply missed but will always live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Edward; son Neil; her parents Henry and Lottie Reider; sister Irene; granddaughter Kristina Gramenz; great-grandson Scott Wakeling; and great-granddaughter Tatum Hunter. She will remain in the hearts of her children Jeffrey, Alan (Barbara), Karen Wakeling, William (Sandra), Nancy Parent, Gary, Kim, Connie (Glen) Wichelmann, Terry, and Mary (Wayne) Garner; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; friends; and lots and lots of kids she considered as "adopted" while raising her children.

A Funeral Service for Phyllis will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave N, Stillwater, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of Phyllis' Life will also be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3rd St. Post, at 3rd and Myrtle St. in Stillwater, MN.

Phyllis' family would like to thank the staff at the Baldwin Care Center for the excellent care they provided.