Phyllis Rae Spangler

Phyllis Rae Spangler, 86, of Jefferson, Wisconsin, died peacefully in her sleep at The View Communities in Johnson Creek on February 24, 2024, after some health struggles with dementia.

She was born in Jefferson in 1937 to Walter and Eleanore (Larson) Wendorf.  Phyllis attended Jefferson High School, and upon graduating worked at Northwest Orient Airlines, and Wedl’s Wayside Inn. In 2004, she retired from a rewarding career with the School District of Jefferson, first at East then at West Elementary School. Traveling throughout life alongside her husband, Jim, Phyllis enjoyed the mornings on her front porch with a cup of coffee, waving at people (who “honked” back in appreciation), traveling every summer to Canada, in addition to stops in Alaska, Colorado, and Hawaii. She was passionate about feeding her birds and ducks along the banks of the Rock River. An avid photographer, she loved capturing wildlife in pictures. No one could put a puzzle together faster than Phyllis.  Anyone lucky enough to hear her sing was lucky, indeed. Phyllis enjoyed volunteering during elections and making her famous cheese ball, camping, visiting casinos (but only when she was lucky), dancing a perfect polka during Gemütlichkeit Days, and a voracious appetite for chocolate chip cookies. She could never pass up snuggling with dogs or cats.  More than anything, Phyllis loved her family, who will forever miss her.

Prost! 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jack, and is survived by her husband James, son Daniel (Rhonda), daughter Paula McVeigh (Spangler), and grandsons Ryan and Jamie, granddaughters Alycia Rae and Erin, and a great grandson.

The family would like to thank all friends and neighbors for their support, especially Cathey Sloane from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Phyllis’ caretakers at The View, and Commomheart Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis Rae Spangler, please visit our floral store.