Phyllis Wheeler, 92, Medford

Phyllis Martha Wheeler, age 92, passed away on July 12, 2026, at Medford Senior Care in Medford.

Phyllis was born to Elizabeth and Kenneth Wiggins on a farm in Dodge County. She graduated from Dodge Center High School. Following graduation, she moved to Rochester, where she worked as a secretary at a plumbing business.

In 1953, Phyllis married Earl Wheeler and joined him in Norfolk, Va., while Earl was in the U.S. Navy. They moved back to Minnesota in 1957. Phyllis worked at Steele County Social Services for 20 years.

Phyllis and Earl celebrated 67 years of marriage before Earl’s death in 2020. In their retirement, Phyllis and Earl enjoyed traveling and took several tours as well as many trips to Alaska.

Phyllis was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she volunteered as a lecturer, funeral worker, and sang in the choir. Phyllis kept very busy in book club, bridge club, volunteering with multiple organizations in Owatonna, including the Red Cross, and importantly, the daily lady’s coffee gathering.

She is survived by her children Mike (Becky), Pat (Ritchie), Paul (Jeanne), Dave (Renee), John, and Matt; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Sharon Wiggins and Sharril Wheeler; and family friend, Sandra Anderson.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, infant son, Phillip, her parents, and brothers James Wiggins and Donald Wiggins.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Medford Senior Care Facility and to Moments Hospice.

The funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one and a half hours before the service. Parish Rosary will be recited at 8:45 a.m. Interment with be at Concord Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to a charity of your choice or to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.