Phyllis Wattnem

Phyllis Wattnem, age 87, of Willmar, died Wednesday, January 3, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 8, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon, South Dakota at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar, www.petersonbrothers.com.

Phyllis Elaine Wattnem was born in Lemmon, South Dakota on April 27, 1930 to Spencer and Clara (Viken) Crevier. She was raised on her grandfather's homestead farm, attended Hay Hill grade school and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1948. She was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon and was married to Clarence Wattnem there in 1949.

Phyllis was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) and was active in the church women's groups. She enjoyed music and singing in church and community choirs. She was active in Mrs. Jaycees, Lions, and golf. She loved flower gardening, considering them the handiwork of God. She enjoyed sewing, homemaking, snowmobiling, square dancing and traveling. She had fond memories of time spent at their home on Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, Minnesota, where they lived for nearly 30 years. Phyllis and Clarence also spent 20 years wintering in McAllen, Texas.

Phyllis is survived by two sons, Charles (and Linda) Wattnem of Willmar, and Steven (and Karen) Wattnem of Two Harbors; four grandchildren, Matthew (and Jennifer), Jennifer (and Mark), Emily (and Chris), and Anikka (and Jason); six great-grandchildren, Lilly, Knolan, Wesley, Elsa, and twins Maria and Marco; a sister, Marilyn (and Maurice); a brother, Dennis (and Sharon); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Spencer and Clara Crevier; and her husband, Clarence.