Phyllis R. Schwanke

Obituary

Phyllis Ruth (Roloff) Schwanke was born on August 16, 1931, in Lewisville, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Arthur and Frieda (Jaeger) Roloff. Phyllis was baptized and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Lewisville. She completed her education at Lewisville High School.

She met Mervin (Merv) Schwanke while he was playing against the local Lewisville baseball team. They married on 20 August 1948 and spent 42 years together until Merv’s sudden death on 20 May 1990 at their New Auburn home. Together they raised three children, James, Steven, and Sandra. During the early years of marriage, they farmed together in the Glencoe and Plato areas. Then in 1958, they packed up the three kids and moved to Toronto, Canada, as Merv trained to be a diesel mechanic.  After becoming a certified mechanic, they moved to Buffalo, NY, and lived there until moving back to Minnesota in the spring of 1961. They lived in Lake Lillian for several months before moving to the family farm near Shillings Lake.   It was also when they became members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and she was in the Ladies Guild. 

In 1972, they purchased a bar and grill in New Auburn and called it the “Lazy S Saloon.”  Eventually, a second bar was purchased, and they named it the “Pump House.” Phyllis received many compliments from customers about her hand-pattied juicy burgers and fried chicken. After Merv’s passing, she was a cafeteria worker for 10 years at the Glencoe School District.

Patriotism was her passion as she was a life member and longtime President of VFW Auxiliary Post 7266 in New Auburn. She presided over countless Veterans functions, and several times was honored as the District President of the Year. 

Phyllis enjoyed time spent outdoors tending to her flower gardens. She also bowled and played darts. She traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, and Germany to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Phyllis passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at her home in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 94 years, 5 months, and 1 day. Blessed be her memory.

Phyllis is survived by her
Children, James Schwanke and his wife, Linda, of Kenai, AK,
                Steven Schwanke and his wife, Sandy, of Glencoe, MN,
                Sandra Beverly and her husband, Bill, of Arab, AL;
Grandchildren, Craig Schwanke (Stacia), Corey Schwanke (Rebecca), Luke Meyer (Stephanie), Jeni Turner (Travis), Jackie Greene (Bill);
Step Grandchildren, Travis Koll (Vanessa), Jeremy Koll (special friend, Molly);
Great-Grandchildren, Tantiana Peterson, Wylie Schwanke, Caden Schwanke, Grace Meyer, Jameson Meyer, Ava Lynn Shields, Finn Greene;
Sister, Elaine Frank;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Arthur and Frieda Roloff;  Husband, Mervin Schwanke; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, William and Frieda Schwanke; Brothers, Gene Roloff, Gary Roloff, and Richard Roloff.