FORT MYERS BEACH, FL–Phyllis Theresa Heinrich (Thul), 80, of Fort Myers Beach, FL, and Breezy Point (formerly of Afton and Woodbury), passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, in Fort Myers, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 7, 1944, in Richmond, Phyllis was raised in Sleepy Eye. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School and went on to become a beautician-a role she embraced fully and continued throughout her life (she never stopped cutting hair).

Phyllis had a gift for finding joy in the little things. She loved to laugh. She enjoyed golf, aerobics, bowling, traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family. And she loved to talk. Phyllis could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whether catching up with an old friend, or chatting with a stranger in the grocery store, she had a warmth and curiosity that made people feel truly seen and heard.

Her life was filled with kindness, laughter and quiet strength. She had a heart full of grace and an incredible ability to find the good in everyone. To know Phyllis was to feel welcomed, loved, and accepted-no matter who you were or where you came from. Her faith, compassion, sense of humor, and never-ending love for conversation left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gary; sisters Judy (Curt) Olson and Diane (Chuck) Case; sisters-in law JoEllen Thurl and Lue Derry; brothers-in-law Kevin (Bobbie) Heinrich and Chris Larsen; nieces and nephews Don/Gunny, Susanne (Brian), Sheila, Scott T. (Lisa), Scott S. (JoAnn), Jeff S. (Mary), Lisa (Joe), Laura (Ron), Dan, Steve, Shanna (Joey), Jeff. L., Michelle, Colleen (Tracy) and Michael; as well as many grand-nephews, cousins, dear friends (especially her best friend Diane Esby), and her aunt Vera Thoms.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Lorraine (Thoms) Thul; brothers Don and Ralph Thul; sister Joni Schimshock; brother-in-law George Shimshock, nieces Teri and Sandra; nephew Tim; in-laws Bill and Edith Heinrich; and sister-in-law Katie Larsen.

Phyllis will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her vibrant spirit, her open heart, and the way she could brighten any room with her warmth.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Sunday, June 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Sleepy Eye Golf Course in Sleepy Eye. Memorials preferred to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]