Black Phyllis

Phyllis Black

Phyllis Black age 89 of Carrington, ND passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Golden Acres Manor under the gentle care of their wonderful staff.

Phyllis Louise Brandt was born May 12, 1923, the daughter of Carl and Leona (Gettle) Brandt at their home in Marinette County, Pound, Wisconsin. The family later moved to rural Eddy County North Dakota. The Brandt family lived and farmed at several different locations in Cherry Lake Township, in the Grace City and McHenry area. Phyllis attended rural schools during her elementary years and went to high school at McHenry. Her graduation was prevented when McHenry’s school burned so she completed her final work through correspondence. Following graduation she completed the necessary course work to become a teacher. She taught at several rural schools throughout the area, and after each school year attended Valley City State Teachers College until she earned her standard degree in 1946. She taught at Minto, Juanita and other rural schools until she was united in marriage to Norvin Black on December 9, 1947, at Fargo. They lived first at Grace City and then moved to the family farm near McHenry where they raised their five children.

In 1966, Phyllis returned to elementary teaching, beginning at Grace City, then at McHenry, and finally at Glenfield Sutton McHenry. During that time she continued her education at Valley City and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1975. She retired in 1988, but while teaching Phyllis understood her students’ thirst for knowledge, and she especially enjoyed showing her students the wonders of nature, plants, trees and animals. Her greatest educational legacy was her ability to teach young people how to read. She shared that passion with many students, her children and grandchildren.

Phyllis was an active member of the McHenry community including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Music Mothers and American Legion Auxiliary. Phyllis was a skilled cook, baker and gardener and she also enjoyed crocheting, quilting and reading. She was dedicated to her family & friends, and faithfully served the Lord wherever she was. For a time Phyllis lived at Larimore, ND, and in 2005, moved to Poplar Court and later to Golden Acres Manor at Carrington.

She is best known and remembered by her family for her Grandma buns, cookies of all kinds, wonderful meals, her deep faith, compassion, cheerful greetings and endless energy.

Surviving members of the family include her children and spouses: Betty (Jon) Staebler of Perham, MN; Lyle (Annola) Black, McHenry, Gilbert (Jo Anne) Black, Grace City, Wesley (Karen) Black, Rugby, Louanne Zejdlik, East Grand Forks, MN; 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; her brother, Ellis (Arlene) Brandt, Carrington, a brother-in-law Bill (Leona) Black, Grace City, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norvin, her sisters, Ilith Ingrebretson & Marjory Meehan; one brother, Paul Brandt; a granddaughter, Alanna Zejdlik; and great-grandson, Jack Raphael Staebler.

PRAYER SERVICE: Sunday, May 5th, at 7PM, Evans Funeral Home, Cgtn

FUNERAL SERVICE: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, McHenry, ND

DATE AND TIME: Monday, May 6, 2013, at 11 AM

INTERMENT: ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, Tuesday, May 7th at 11 AM

Posted Condolences:

(scroll down to post a condolence)

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Name: Karen (Olson) Dufault

Date: 5-7-13

Message: Dear Cousins and loved ones,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. She had a faith that was so strong and she too, was a very strong woman. Lucky were those who had her as an enthusiastic teacher. Memories from family gatherings of Aunt Phyllis are her joy and uplifting spirit; always positive and gentle. Her skill in the kitchen was unmatched.

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Name: Gordon W. Olson

Date: May 6, 2013

Message: Dear Ones.
I add my words and thoughts of condolences to those of the many who are offering theirs in behalf of your mother and grandmother at this time of her passing. All that is said of her prowess in the kitchen and the school room many of us can attest to from personal experience - she was an amazing cook and teacher. I also remember the fun and experiences I had with her and Nubs the one summer I stayed with them in Grace City when I was a small lad from West Fargo. She is now next to Nubs in Mandan - they were meant for each other and will continue to be such for eternity.

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Name: Ingrid Olson

Date: May 4, 2013

Message: Betty, LouAnne, Gilbert & Wes, I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I will be with you in spirit in the coming days. I loved your mother's energy, her cooking, her can-do spirit. I always felt welcome around her and so respected her getting her teacher's degree and her work ethic. She was a ball of energy that commanded respect and admiration. I know you will miss her. Love, Ingrid

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Name: Tim & Audrey Zejdlik

Date: 5-3-2013

Message: What a precious lady, friend, and sister in the Lord. How Phylly touched our lives and enriched them with her smile, encouragement and welcomed seat at her table. She carried and shared more life and enthusiasm during her 89 years than most of us will ever dream of doing in our life time. We loved her life, appreciated the many gifts of praise she shared and will always hold her dear. Be blessed knowing she is walking the STREETS OF GOLD!

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Name: Denise (Ingebretson) Thompson

Date: 3 May 2013

Message: Dear Cousins,

Sending my prayers as you prepare to celebrate the life of your Mom. Phyllis was always my favorite Aunt and a very special lady. I will miss being with you and pray Our Lord will hold you close at this time.

Cousin Denise

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Name: Justine Boots

Date: May 2, 2013

Message: Dear Betty and family, We send you our prayers and sympathy at this very sad time. Reading the obituary about Phyllis reminded me so much of my mother, her passion for teaching, her love of making bread. Hugs, Julie and John

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Name: Belinda

Date: Epler

Message: Betty, Jon and family. We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you all.

Belinda and Randy

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Name: Joe and Susan

Date: 5-2-13

Message: Dear Louanne- so sorry to hear about your Mom! I lost my Dad this summer and there is never a good time for losing a parent. PTL she is in heaven now! I will always remember her teaching me (trying to teach me) how to make bread- no recipe of course, but by "feel!" Well, I use a recipe- never quite as good as hers though, that's for sure. May the Lord give you peace and comfort at this time.

Joe and Susan

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Name: Vonnie Johnsrud

Date: April 30, 2013

Message: Dear Louanne and families, I'm so sorry to hear the lost of your mom. Oh where do I start? I have so many memories of her, from being my 1st and 2nd grade teacher to spending time out at the farm. The baking of sweet goodies to the awesome bread!! She was a dear sweet lady!! I do remember though that she made us tow the line in school. I remember her moving my desk right next to hers a time or two cause I wouldn't be quiet! oh wow, the memories come flooding back to me!! Don't know if I will be able to make it to the funeral, but I will surely be thinking about you and your family on Monday. Take care, and smile, she was one great lady!!

Vonnie (Hoyt) Johnsrud

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Name: Jean Puppe

Date: 4-30-2013

Message: Louanne and family - I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. What a wonderful woman she was! She was one of my favorites! Heaven has welcomed a great woman! God bless you all.

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Name: Charmarie Wold

Date: April 29, 2013

Message: Dear Betty and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother/Grandmother. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Talk to each other and remember sooo many good times and gooooood bread. She loved you all so very much.

Char