Phyllis Marie Vaaler

• 

Vaaler, Phyllis Marie passed peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a long illness, at noon, March 19th, 2018. She was born on July 18th, 1935 in Red Wing, MN, oldest daughter of Edith & Oscar Edstrom of Vasa, MN. Phyllis passed in the hands of compassionate caregivers and her neighbors at Sunrise of Golden Valley, where she resided her last four years. She is survived by her former husband, J. Richard Vaaler, sons Robert, David, and Theodore, his wife Carey Gleason, grandchildren Annika and Henry, and her siblings, Margaret Underdahl, Judy Struck, and Lyle Edstrom. Mom lived a full, caring, generous, and always thoughtful life, that each day reflected her faith, values & traditional Swedish upbringing. She prior- itized Service to family, friends, coworkers, and the hundreds of patients she lovingly & skillfully cared for at Methodist Hospital as a nursing assistant and volunteer for many years. Mom never missed an opportunity to reach out, touch, and brighten the life of a close friend or complete stranger. She never missed an opportunity to share a bit of genuine kindness, a plate of homemade cookies, and always had a ready smile for everyone. Plans for a 'Celebration of Life' memorial service are in the works. For details, please contact Bob at: vaaler@magneticpictures.com

Published on March 25, 2018