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ST. JAMES--Phyllis Jurgens, 93, of St James, MN, passed away on November 11, 2026, at Living Meadows at Luther-Madelia.
Phyllis was born in St. James, MN to Lawrence (Nels) and Agnes Undestad, the youngest of six children. Phyllis met the love of her life, Wally, while still in high school. Shortly after their marriage Wally was drafted into the Army and Phyllis traveled to Tacoma, Washington to be with him during basic training before he was sent to Korea. Following his discharge, they made their home on the farm for over 70 years.
She and Wally lovingly raised their three children on their family farm, sharing her strong faith and love with them. She enjoyed playing games – especially Bingo and cards with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She delighted in hosting family holidays and adored having everyone around her. Baking was a favorite and she always had a variety of treats ready whenever someone visited. Phyllis extended her kindness to others while she worked at Moulton & Parsons clinic for more than 50 years caring for others and making lifelong friendships. We remember her bringing comfort to so many, even giving a flu shot to those in their car if it was too difficult to come inside, and she could always bring a smile to a frightened child's face.
Faith and service were a lifelong commitment for Phyllis as she was an active member of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, serving on various committees, visiting those unable to attend church and leading Sunday School and the WELCA group, and welcoming everyone to church. She and Wally volunteered at the food shelf for several years, participated in numerous Thrivent fundraisers, placed flags at the cemetery for veterans, served on the committee for the first Relay for Life in St James and continued to participate for many years. Phyllis and Wally were chosen as the Outstanding Sr. Citizen Volunteers for Watonwan County.
Phyllis and Wally were inseparable throughout their 70 years of marriage. They enjoyed playing cards, going to auctions and searching for antiques, and traveling many places together with tour groups. Nova Scotia was a favorite for them, along with numerous trips to Branson, MO.
We are forever grateful for her unconditional love. We hold in our hearts cherished memories of the farm, the cabin, the Christmas holiday she brought to life for her family, her love for her Norwegian heritage, playing games, her beautiful smile, her unending support and her strong faith that shaped the lives of her family.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Barb "Annie" and (Charlie) Bornhoft of New Ulm; Wayne and (Bernie) Jurgens of St. James; and Shari and (Bruce) Ohland of Faribault; and sister-in-law, LaVonne Undestad.
Phyllis's dear grandchildren include, Callie (Shane) Nelson, New Ulm; Sarah Bornhoft (Jason Caldwell), Minneapolis; Michael (Jessi) Bornhoft, New Ulm; Nathan (Morgan) Jurgens, Johnson Creek, WI; Matthew (Abby) Jurgens, Wauwatosa, WI; Nate (Ashley) Ewert, Willmar; Jenny (Anders) Schmidt, St. Peter; Alysa (Mark) Toov, Northfield.
Cherished great-grandchildren, Rocco, Charley, Evie, Arrow, Nashoba, Dakota, Marshall, Kale, Keagan, Ripley, Eli, Emma, Vienna, Sylvie, Nellie, William, and Thomas.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Wally; daughter-in-law, Kris; her parents, Lawrence (Nels) and Agnes Undestad; Wally's parents, Albert and Adeline Jurgens; her sisters, Marion Harms, Leona Loeschen, and Rhoda Olson; brothers, Norman Undestad and Richard (Dick) Undestad; brothers-in-law, Verlin Harms, Bud Loeschen, and Ardie Olson; and sisters-in-law, Barb Undestad and Jane Loeschen.
Family and friends are welcome to attend Phyllis's celebration of life, which will be held on November 18, 2026, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in rural St. James. Visitation will be at the church from 10-11:30 am, followed by the service at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served following the service with interment at the cemetery adjacent to the church. Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Memorials are preferred to East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, St. James, Living Meadows at Luther-Madelia, or memorial of your choice.