Phyllis Kugler

Phyllis M. Kugler, age 89 of Perham, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Perham Living.

She was born August 20 1936 to Alvin and Ethel Young. Phyllis, also affectionately known as "Tootie", started life on a farm north of Dalton, MN and in 1945, moved to a newly bought family farm southwest of Dalton. She lived there while growing into an adult. She attended school in Dalton through 8th grade and then attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fergus Falls with the class of 1954.

At age 10, she was old enough to join 4H where, she fell in love with gardening and was champion gardener. Her first job was selling angle worms from their back yard. After high school, she worked various jobs until meeting her future husband on a blind date. In September of 1956, she married Stanley Genz. They later moved to the Genz family farm, where Phyllis became a farmer, farmer's wife, and Mother to three daughters, among other duties. Stanley passed away suddenly in 1977.

After Stanley's passing, Phyllis sold the farm and went to work. Her favorite jobs were as an activities director at Ottertail Nursing Home and working at Lake Country Gardens surrounded by things she loved most. ln May of 1982, she married Ron Kugler and their life was full of hunting, fishing and gardening.

Phyllis is survived by husband Ron; three daughters, Pam (Roger) Andersen, Becky (John) Westhoff and Theresa (Scott) Ash; many grandchildren and great Grandchildren; brother, Wally Young; sisters-in-law, June Ramey, Barb Harthun, Shirley Sem, and Darlene Toso; brother-in-law, Marlin Genz; and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; as well as other family members and friends.

Phyllis' family would to give thanks to Perham Living, Knute Nelson/Vivie Hospice and to all the people who helped care for and offer support the last several years.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham, MN. A private graveside service will be held at Tingvold Lutheran Cemetery in Underwood, MN.