Phyllis Quandahl

Phyllis L. Quandahl, 94, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 5th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA, with Pastor Abraham Faugstad officiating. Burial will be at Waterloo Ridge Cemetery, rural Dorchester, IA. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon.

Phyllis Lila Quandahl was born October 31, 1930, at home in Ludlow Township, Waukon, IA, the daughter of Alfred and Esther (Sanderman) Snitker. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Reformed Church in rural Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School.

On October 2, 1949, Phyllis married Osmund Quandahl at Salem United Church of Christ.  They resided in Waukon, where she tirelessly worked behind-the-scenes in partnership with Ozzie, starting/operating multiple successful businesses. Together they raised their family of eight children: Cathy, Linda (Mick) Sweeney, Mary (Dwight) Frear, Julie (Lyle) Schulte, John, Carrie, Sam (Carol), and Bill (Lori), all of whom feel blessed to have her as their mother. They are so grateful for her longevity; she will forever be in their hearts.

Phyllis credited her own mother for inspiring her wonderful flower gardens, which she found very therapeutic. She embraced new experiences; from giving horseback riding and snow skiing a try in her sixties, short day trips, or trips to the warm weather of Mexico, she was up for it. When asked if she would travel to the moon she replied, "my bags are packed." She also enjoyed antiquing, decorating, long walks, road trips with her daughters, and motorcycle rides with Ozzie. Later when her mobility was more limited, she loved to hear about her grandkids' growing families, their travels, and their accomplishments. Her laugh was addictive and hers was always the best table to be at, whether playing cards or watching the Hawkeyes.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Levi Quandahl; her brother and sister-in-law Howard and Viola Snitker; and sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Arden Hanson. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Ozzie; eight children; 26 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her loyal dog Sucha.

Casketbearers are Pete Sweeney, Mike Sweeney, Henry Frear, Jason Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bobby Gronna, and Dexter Quandahl.