Phyllis Gardner

Phyllis Laurene Gardner, 82, of Pine River, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025. She was born on November 11, 1942, in Pine River, Minnesota, to Glen and Edith (Cunningham) Hurst.

On June 16, 1962, Phyllis married the love of her life, Rolland “Bill” Gardner, and together they built a life filled with family, faith, and love. Phyllis worked for many years as the office administrator for Arvig Telephone, where she was known for her warmth, dedication, and kindness.

Phyllis had many joys in life, including quilting, watercolor painting, tending to her flowers, and baking cookies and cakes that her family and friends always cherished. She loved watching and feeding the birds, especially hummingbirds, and was a proud member of the Pine River Art Club. Her creativity and gentle spirit were evident in everything she touched.

Above all, Phyllis treasured time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Julie (Ron) Kleinsasser and Jay (Tammi) Gardner; grandchildren, Natasha (Jon), Becky, Ashley (Jason), Devon (Natalie), and Brittany (Matt); great-grandchildren, Maddox, Benjamin, and Eli; and siblings, Joyce and John.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Dick.

Phyllis will be remembered for her kindness, her artistry, and the love she shared so generously with her family and community. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22nd from 5pm – 7pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Pequot Lakes. Service will be held 11am Saturday, August 23rd, at the Pequot Lakes Baptist Church with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at 11am on Monday, August 25th at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center (LAPS).