Phyllis M. Gerhartz

Phyllis M. Gerhartz, age 85, of Stockbridge, died on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Westhaven in Brillion.  She was born April 3, 1937 in Hilbert, daughter of the late Nicholas and Leta (Baker) Spang.  

Phyllis married Marvin L. Gerhartz on August 16, 1958 at St. John Catholic Church in St. John, and the couple farmed side by side in both the Village and Township of Stockbridge until they sold their dairy herd in 1990.  After retirement from farming, Phyllis continued to work at various places throughout the area through Flexstaff.  These opportunities kept her active and she was able to meet new people and try new experiences.

She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge where she also belonged to the Altar Society.  It was not uncommon to see Phyllis at weekday mass before joining her friends for breakfast and social hour.  She was a member of the Stockbridge Red Hat Society, and with a passion for Polka Music and dancing, she was a long time member of the We Love to Polka dance club where she also served as the editor of their publication.

Phyllis loved rummage sales and could never pass up an opportunity to find a treasure as she cruised through the countryside.  Traveling through the United States and the world gave her many memories, a lot of laughs, and stories to share.  She lovingly tended to her flower beds and her vegetable garden and had a fond affection for all of the cats she had throughout her life.  Above all else, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren whom she adored.  

Survivors include her husband: Marvin; her children: Mary Jo (Ronnie) Roush, Nancy (Larry) Hlinak; 5 grandchildren: Rhonda Roush, Elizabeth (Kenneth) Jepsen, Kristin (Dave) Vanderheiden, Tim (Kayla) Hlinak, Megan (Devin) Vanness; her great grandchildren: Kenzie & Kenny Jepsen, Kaylee Hlinak, Skyler & Rayna Vanderheiden, and a baby arriving in the fall; her siblings: Dorothy Spang, Judith Spang, Nanetta Penterman; her siblings-in-law: Bernita Perry, Ruth Gerhartz, Lyle Gerhartz, Donna Comerford, & Mary Jane Gerhartz.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law: Lewis & Ruby Gerhartz; her siblings: Alvin & Nicholas Spang; and siblings-in-law: Richard Penterman, Lula (Howard) Schoen, Armella (Randy) Thiel, Irmine (Donald) Denslow, Delmar Gerhartz, Robert Perry, Betty Gerhartz, John Comerford & Gary Gerhartz.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church (Military Avenue) in Stockbridge with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.  Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.