Phyllis Marinda Schwanke

Phyllis Marinda Schwanke, nee Burley – 93

Lifelong resident of Saint Paul, born on August 30, 1931, passed away from dementia-

related illness on April 25, 2025.

She was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her giving, gentle spirit and kindness to everyone left a lasting impression for all who knew her.

She is survived by her Husband of 72 years, Robert (Bob) Schwanke; Daughters Cheryl Burley (Doug Neilson), Linda Vesta (Dan Vesta); Granddaughters Hayley Brendalen and Amy (Caramon) Ives; Great-Granddaughters Jessalyn and Kathryn Ives; Nieces Barb Bland, Pat Bland, and Polly (John) Remick; and Nephew William (Bill) Menz.

Preceded in death by Parents Walter and Marinda Burley; Brother Bromley; Sisters Ruth Menz Larimer, Jane Burley, Betty Bland; and Nephew Richard (Dick) Menz.

From a young age, she always wanted to be a nurse. She graduated nursing school in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, and worked at Ancker and Midway hospitals, Wilder Residence East and University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

She loved hosting family dinners and birthday parties. She loved nature, animals, gardening, canoeing, hiking, knitting, photography, skating, music, art, reading, church, and spending time with good friends. She was a life-long learner and volunteered for many organizations.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:

Como Park Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, The Nature Conservancy, or TPT (Twin Cities PBS).