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Phyllis Grunklee Obituary – 10/13/2021


Phyllis Lorraine Grunklee passed peacefully Monday, Oct. 13, 2021, in the presence of family in Rogers, AR.

A service will take place at St Theodore’s Episcopal Church, 1001 Kingsland Road in Bella Vista, AR 72714; Saturday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m. In remembrance, donations to a favorite charity are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Born in Sauk Center, MN in 1922, she would have been 99 years old Dec. 20.

Phyllis lived a vibrant life, filled with many interests and activities. A natural athlete, she golfed, played tennis, cross country skied, bicycled, swam and danced.

From a young age, until her passing, she played bridge. Phyllis was also an avid reader, and volunteered her energy and generously donated to charities.

Music was her passion; she sang in choruses; attended symphonic, chamber music, and opera performances; and assembled an enviable collection that also included jazz and popular music.

Phyllis left a dairy farm in Delano, MN to retire in Bella Vista, AR. Her final years were spent at Concordia, an independent living community, where she was known as “wild Phyl.” I think this was in reference to the fact she liked to drive fast.

A wonderful recent memory is being a passenger as she expertly navigated curves in the Ozarks as we listened with joy to opera blasting from the radio. She will be remembered for her wit, wisdom and la joie de vivre.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Earl K. Pangburn; mother, Helen Hoffman Pangburn; brother, James Pangburn; and husband, Eugene C. Grunklee.

She is survived by her children: Jane L. Grunklee (Minneapolis, MN); Charles D. Grunklee and life partner, Camelia Malcom (Tulsa, OK); brother, Daniel E. Pangburn and Cay (Dallas, TX); sister:Sara L. Pope and Lev (Berkeley, CA); and 10 nieces and nephews.

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