Phyllis Neher

Phyllis Marie Neher, age 81, of Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2013, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Frederick James Neher, her five children, Frederick (Mickey) Neher of Mahtomedi, MN, Kurt (Luisa) Neher of Ojai, CA, Lise (Dan) Revers of Weston, MA, Erick (Heather) Neher of Idaho Falls, ID, and Konrad Neher of Center City, MN, as well as ten grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 24. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Wright, of Bemidji, MN.

Phyllis was born to Marie and Walter Rybak in New Prague, Minnesota, on November 11, 1931. She graduated from New Prague High School in 1949 and earned her Nursing Degree at the University of Minnesota in 1954. Phyllis was a very accomplished nurse, and after 6 months became head nurse on the urology floor at the University of Minnesota hospital. Shortly thereafter she became head nurse of the large surgical floor which included an early eight-bed intensive care unit. In 1958 she married Dr. Frederick James Neher of St. Paul, MN, shortly thereafter decided to end her nursing career after the birth of their first child in 1959. Fred and Phyllis settled down in the Highland Park area of St. Paul where they raised their children. Phyllis was an active volunteer at her children's schools and an active member of the Antique American Glass Club. She had a passion for needlework and also enjoyed reading and gardening. Phyllis travelled quite frequently to visit her children and grandchildren and her presence in their lives will be sorely missed. Phyllis was a wonderful mother and friend and her optimistic outlook on life was appreciated by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Phyllis' honor may be made to Smile Train, her favorite charity, at PO Box 96231, Washington DC, 20090-6231, 1-800-932-9541, or at www.smiletrain.org.