Obituary of Phyllis Wernette

Phyllis Neva Wernette, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away Monday, August 16, 2021. She was 75 years old. Per her wishes, cremation will take place with burial to follow in Wambolt cemetery. 

Phyllis was born May 6, 1946, the daughter of Alfred and Phyllis “Arlene” Steinman. She married her soul mate, Michael Wernette on October 23, 1964, and the two grew their family to include four children. Sadly, their oldest son, Michael, was stillborn. 

Phyllis was a ParaPro and teacher’s aid for Chippewa Hills for over 20 years. She was loved by her school kids, and she loved them just the same. Phyllis was a line dancing queen, and taught line dancing to countless people over the years. She enjoyed playing euchre, hosting family gatherings, and quilting. If you were lucky enough to know Phyllis, you probably have a quilt made by her. Sunday lunch with family was her favorite. If 20 people were coming, there was enough food for 30, and it was always the most delicious food. Family even referred to her as, “the best cook in the country!” Energetic, opinionated, and a great mom, were all words used to describe her. The word stubborn also came up as a trait that was perhaps passed down to one or two of her children. And although life wasn’t always easy for Phyllis, she remained a fighter until the end. One would think her stubbornness probably had something to do with that. 

Left to cherish her vibrant memory are her husband of 56 years, Mike Wernette; children, Ann McCormick, John (Dawn) Wernette, and Jim (Jackie) Wernette; grandchildren, Neva, Nicole (Kez), Cortney (Alex), Tosti (Bryan), John (Lauren), Mikel (Alyssa), Luke, Zach, and Cast; great-grandchildren, Lily, Jax, Thea, Derby, Winston, Ellie, Brantley, and two on the way; three sisters, and one brother. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael, and great-granddaughter, Jerzi.