PHYLLIS J. DEPPE

Phyllis J. Deppe, 91, passed away Oct. 9, 2012 at Golden Oaks in Hermantown, Minn., surrounded by her family and at peace with her Creator.

Her positive character and cheerful personality are special qualities that family, friends and acquaintances will recall most about Phyllis.

She graduated from St. Paul Central High School and studied and worked at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus before starting a family with husband Les Deppe in Minneapolis. After moving to northern Minnesota in the late 50s, she became an active volunteer in the Northern Pine Girl Scout Council, the Christian Science Church in Virginia, the American Field Service student foreign exchange program, YMCA Camp du Nord near Ely, the Ely Presbyterian Church, the Amateur Radio Club in Ely and more. When she was 60 years old she acquired her Ham radio license (KA0LWU), joining husband Les (W0RYX) in making connections via Ham with family and new friends around the world.

She and Les enjoyed their retirement years at their home on Burntside Lake, and traveling abroad and throughout the U.S.A. Phyllis was an avid swimmer, skier, reader, quilter, card player, cook, party planner, and faithful Christian.

She was preceded in death by parents; her husband of 60 years, Leslie R. Deppe; brother, Robert Storberg and sister, Sally Sauers.

She is survived by her son Steven (Nancy) Deppe; daughter Marilyn (Kelly) Weber; sisters-in-law, Bea Deppe, Jackie Deppe and Ping Deppe; grandchildren Todd (Kristen), and Cameron (Amy) Deppe, Kristina (Julian) Leonard, and Kathryn (Brett) Truka; great grandchildren Madelyn, Soren and William Deppe; along with many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis will be missed by her family and many friends whom she adored, as she devoted her life to making them feel loved and special.

The family would like to sincerely thank the owners and staff of Golden Oaks for the last five years of superb care in a unique loving, family environment. Many thanks also go to the Essentia Hopice A-Team of Larry, Kathy, Vern, Craig and Kristine. Their support to the family was invaluable as we evolved through the chapters of passing with Phyllis.

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 until the 2 p.m. Memorial Service in the First Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Harvey St., Ely, MN 55731. Memorials can be donated to the First Presbyterian Church in Ely.

Family services provided by Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com

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