Phyllis Lothenbach, 99, of Springfield, Missouri, died Monday, April 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and dedicated caregivers at Premier Rehabilitation at Maranatha Village while under the care of Seasons Hospice.

Phyllis was born on March 1, 1927, to Clemons and Laura (Smith) Wimer in Hastings, Minnesota. She was baptized at the First Baptist Church in South St. Paul. Phyllis attended Hastings Public School, graduating in 1945. She also attended Brown Institute, Minneapolis, for radio operating and teletype.

She was employed by Northwest Airlines and worked in New York City until her marriage to Tom Lothenbach on June 10, 1948 in Hastings, Minnesota. She then chose to become a homemaker and focus on their children. As the children aged, she also began teaching piano lessons from their home.

Phyllis enjoyed all types of music and served in her church as a pianist/organist from age 14 to 80. She also enjoyed singing in groups or as a soloist, teaching ladies’ Bible studies, leading community Bible studies, baking and quilting.

After Tom’s retirement in 1984, they moved to East Lost Lake near Underwood, MN, where the kids and grandkids boated, fished, enjoyed campfires and spending time with their grandparents and cousins. Many games of Skip-Bo and cribbage were played after dark.

She and Tom then began apartment living in Fergus Falls, MN, where they found a wonderful community that they quickly adapted into, making lifelong friends.

Phyllis recently moved to Springfield, MO, where she spent the remainder of her life. She was able to enjoy time making new friends and visiting with family that lived in the area. She also looked forward to visits from grandchildren and friends as they traveled through Missouri.

Phyllis loved her Lord and Savior and shared her faith with those around her. Every day was an opportunity to meet someone new, make them feel welcome and ask questions to learn more about them. She enjoyed conversations with anyone she encountered throughout her day. Her life verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Gary (Judy) Lothenbach of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Jane (Kerry) Baumgartner of Battle Lake, MN, Diane Thompson of Kansas City, MO and Carol (Jerry) TerHark of Springfield MO, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. She loved sharing and showing off her family to all her friends, neighbors, and anyone who walked by her. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, parents Clemons & Laura Wimer, brothers Lawrence Wimer and Marvin Wimer, son Donald Lothenbach, grandchildren Wendy Sue Lothenbach and Jeff Lothenbach.

Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, Minnesota 55033

Graveside Services will immediately follow at Lakeside Cemetery, 920 Nininger Road, Hastings, Minnesota 55033

Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org.