Phyllis Hiller, age 86 of St. Francis, died unexpectedly at home on June 20, 2022. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. Friday, June 24th with a prayer service at 6:30. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, June 25th with visitation 1 hour prior, all at Strike Life Tributes – Isanti.
Click her to watch the livestreamed service.
Phyllis Hiller, age 86 of St. Francis, left her earthly duties on June 20, to join her beloved husband, Walter, in the heavens. Phyllis was preceded in death by husband, Walter, together for 71 years. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Wesley, Cindy, Carolyn (Jeff), Elizabeth (Paul); and beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Ethan; sisters Lois Kriefall, Bonnie (Gary) Keays and brother Doug (Josie) Engren, brother-in-law Ralph (Marlys) Hiller, sisters-in-law Violet Hiller and Doris Hiller, countless nieces and nephews and many friends. Phyllis loved to garden, working puzzles, playing bridge, cribbage and painting. She was a beloved mother full of joy and a smile that lit up a room.
Born in St. Francis, MN, Phyllis graduated from St. Francis High School in 1953 with top honors of co-valedictorian. Meeting her lifelong-love, Walter, in the 8th grade; they married in 1955 which began their world adventures, as Walt’s military career required. World adventures took them to multiple stations including Austria, France, Germany, Japan, Guam, with visits to India, Hong Kong truly adventures across the globe. Her world adventures continued after Walt’s 20 years of military assignments as they were introduced to cruising. Enjoying more than two dozen cruises in waters around the world, they especially cherished their last cruise together in January 2020 with their granddaughter Lauren and her friend Zach.
For 25 years, Phyllis wintered in Punta Gorda, Florida, where both she and Walt developed lasting friendships. Phyllis’ tours through the park on her three wheeled bike brought joy to her and all those she encountered along her route.
Phyllis attended the Swedish Institute to be educated as an X-ray Technician. After Walt’s retirement, upon returning to Minnesota, she worked at Metropolitan Medical Clinic and was reunited with classmates, who were also working there.
Phyllis was one to always be involved with the kid’s activities, church, and the community. Taking on roles as a coach for the youth softball team called the “All Smiles”. A team of athletes bookended by daughters, Cindy and Carolyn. Cindy being the best athlete on the team, and Carolyn also participating. Phyllis was a 4-H leader for the St. Francis Go-Getters, a 4-H club that her dad, George, led when she was a child. Phyllis was active in Community Ed, the St. Francis Historical Society, directed the church’s youth choir, and looked forward to engaging with the community for many years serving as an election judge.
Throughout Phyllis’ lifetime, she nurtured and planted her seeds of love in each of us. Her last trip to tend to her beautiful gardens ended with her peacefully laying down to go home to heaven. Just as flower blooms return each year, our memories of the love she shared, will continue to bloom in our hearts. Phyllis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
What a delightful obituary!! Phyllis and I were faithful and loyal friends since the 1970’s when I came to the St. Francis community and she and Walt came home after his years in the service. What a joy to work with her in church and community activities, become a part of the Engren/Hiller extended family , go fishing, visiting in Fla. –oh so many memories!! I will miss her chats in person and on the phone!
A truly wonderful woman who made the world a better place. So valued and will be greatly missed.
Aunt Phyllis was one of the sweetest people and always had a smile for me. Being shy, sometimes it was hard to connect with adults, but Aunt Phyllis always had a smile, put her hand on your arm or shoulder, and leaned in to giggle with you. It made you feel like you were special and the 2 of you had a secret. It is a treasured memory from my childhood. Her artwork has always inspired me as I am not a visual artist. Her love of color and unusual objects continues to influence me to this day. One time I walked into aunt Phyllis‘s house down here in Florida, I looked around and loved what I saw! She and I had a very similar decorating style, which is put everything that you love together so you can see it! I actually had five of the items that she had in her living room ❤️ I will always miss you Aunt Phyllis because you were so special, you deeply influence my own artistic career, and taught me how important it is to love people.
Carolyn and family, as a Shir Tikvah member, I feel so fortunate to learn something about your beloved mother, and am captivated by her peaceful, magical passage. What a blessing. Thank you for sharing this. I am sending wishes for comfort in your many memories and ongoing connections with family here and beyond.