Phyllis Hammes

Phyllis "Phyl" Hammes, a long-time resident of Rochester, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was a beloved figure, known for her motto in life: "Keep moving forward." Phyllis attended a one-room school through eighth grade and graduated from Houston High School. She completed her nurse's training at Swedish Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation, she married her love, Jerry "Red" Hammes. Together, they had four children and were foster parents for over 45 years. They were proud grandparents to five and great-grandparents to three.

During her 50 years of nursing, Phyl dedicated herself to bringing hope and reassurance to everyone she encountered. Guided by her Christian faith, she committed to living a life that embodied the teachings of Christ, believing that this was the best way to serve others and make a positive impact on the world.

Following the passing of her husband, Phyllis continued to embrace new experiences, true to her motto of "always moving forward." As an octogenarian, she learned to mow and blow snow on her own, even telling her neighbor to get off her driveway so she could do it herself-only to promptly fall face-first into the snow. Such grit and determination served her well and inspired others throughout her life.

Phyllis is survived by her four children: Lisa (Michael) Monday, Dianne (Ananda) Ganguly, Cheryl (Scott) Runde, and David Hammes. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Shandra (Alex) Allison, Tristen Monday, JJ Runde, Riplea Monday, and Piper Runde, and three great-grandchildren as well as countless nieces, nephews and siblings-in-law. She will be in good company with those that have passed before her, including her husband, her younger brother John Lindberg and several other dear family members. In accordance with her wishes, Phyllis has donated her body to science.

Visitation will be held 4-7 pm Thursday, February 6th at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations (formerly Mahn Funeral Home) located at 1624 37th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 and her Celebration of Life will be held 10 am Friday February 7th followed by refreshments at Evangel United Methodist Church located at 2645 North Broadway Avenue Rochester, MN 55906. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Evangel United Methodist Church or charity of donor's choice.