Venita “Ann” Phillips

Obituary

Venita “Ann” (Johnson) Phillips was born on October 15, 1933, in Red Wing, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Asa and Veronica (Fox) Johnson. Ann was baptized as an infant into the Catholic Faith and later received her First Communion as a youth at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville, Minnesota. Ann received her education in Hastings, Minnesota, and graduated with the Hastings High School class of 1951. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota, and earned a degree in Nursing in March of 1953.

Ann was united in marriage to Eugene “Bud” Phillips in 1954. They made their home on the family farm west of Glencoe. They were blessed with three children: Larry, Wendy, and Patrick. The couple shared 43 years together when Bud passed away on May 2, 1997.

Ann gave so much of herself to others; from being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, to her years working as a nurse at the Glencoe Hospital, helping her husband on the farm, or her countless hours serving as a volunteer at her church, the hospital, and other places in the community.

Ann was the heart of the Phillips family and lived a full and beautiful life. She will be remembered for teaching them the value of kindness, to find strength in faith, and to know the importance of family. Her wisdom will live on in the lessons she shared, and the love from her will forever be a part of all of them. She was always ready with a warm hug, kind words, or a delicious dessert such as apple pie, cookies, or her infamous pfeffernusse (pepper nuts).

Ann passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years, 9 months, and 8 days. Though our hearts are heavy, our family finds comfort in the beautiful memories we shared with her.

Ann is survived by her
Children, Larry Phillips and his wife, Linda, of Glencoe, MN,
               Wendy Bargmann and her significant other, Ken Teschendorf Jr., of Glencoe, MN,
                Patrick Phillips and his wife, Katie, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Trisha (Ryan) Graf, Mitchell (Amy) Bargmann, Terri (Michael) Wood, Michael (Jolene) Phillips, Nicole Phillips, Cori (Nicole) Phillips, Andrew (Jana) Kunkel, Daniel (Courtney) Kunkel;
Great-Grandchildren, Malayna Graf, Hannah Graf, Aaliyah (fiance, Mitchell Thiesfeld) Bargmann, Dylan Bargmann, Griffin Bargmann, Myrissa Wood, Chase Wood, Kasen Wood, Brody Phillips, Brook Phillips, Hunter Phillips, Natalie Kunkel, Dylin Kunkel, Ethan Kunkel;
Sister-in-law, Mathilda “Tillie” Johnson;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives, and Friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her Husband, Eugene “Bud” Phillips; Father and Mother, Asa and Veronica Johnson; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Gilbert and Helen Phillips; Brother, Gerald Johnson; and Sister-in-law, Marlys Harris.