It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news with you that Phyllis (Phyl) Swagel passed away peacefully the morning of August 28th, 2023. She was surrounded by her 5 children and a daughter-in-law when she left her earthly home.
Phyl had just celebrated her 99th birthday on August 19th, surrounded by an abundance of family and friends.
Phyl was born in Sturgeon Bay on August 21, 1924, to Walter and Marie (Peggy) Haertel. She had a younger sister named Janice (Jan). She was a lifetime resident of Sturgeon Bay and attended schools in Sturgeon Bay graduating in 1942.
Phyl married Harvey Swagel on June 16, 1945, and went on to have five wonderful children.
Phyl worked as a waitress at Bassett’s Drug Store, the Amity Factory, her father’s office in Kewaunee, a ceramic shop and as an Avon representative. Her proudest achievement, however, was being a mother and homemaker which she wore proudly and was incredible at.
Phyl had a passion for life and was always willing to try new things, she definitely had an adventurous spirit! She had many hobbies including card clubs, playing bingo at the Jaycee hall, going to the Senior Center to eat and play games, being a member of the A “DOOR ABLES” (Red Hatters), playing an assortment of games, reading an immense amount of books, traveling and watching games shows. She was also a prolific baker and cook which brought her immense joy, especially sharing her tasty soups, delicious meals and scrumptious desserts with others.
Phyl was her happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends showering them with her love.
Phyl is survived by her children Greg (Sandy) Swagel, Cindy Swagel, Pam (Swagel) Haskins, Becky (Abram) Harris, Shayne (Senta) Swagel; grandchildren: Tanya (Brian) Hansen, Ty (Brandon) Swagel, Justin (Nick) Welch, Nikki (Leon II) Voight, Jessica (TJ) Bardazon, Angela (Coop ) Oram, Cody (Kristy) Oram, Kyle Harris, Kim (Greg) Jacobson, Jill (Kurt) Degrave, Jeff (Val) Espe; sisters-in- law, Delores & Gracie Swagel; cousins Gary & John Fischer and her dear friend Mary Tollkuehn. She also had many great and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Phyl was preceded in death by her husband Harvey Swagel, her parents Walter & Marie Haertel, sister Janice Haertel, cousin Laurel, grandson Tom Espe, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles.
Family & friends are invited to gather for her visitation at the United Methodist Church on Friday, September 8th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM followed by a memorial service and light reception.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation we would suggest DOOR-TRAN in Sturgeon Bay. This is an amazing non-profit local transportation organization that can benefit from any monetary donations and awareness. What they offer the peninsula is amazing and Phyl often used their services so it’s near and dear to our hearts.
A special thank you to Forbes Funeral Home and Reverend Ken Boettcher for handling the funeral arrangements and the memorial service. We would also like to thank our soloist Cheryl Simon and the entire Door County Medical Center staff of the emergency room, ICU Ward, the Medical Surgical Status Ward and Unity Hospice for their amazing, loving and tender care of Phyl.
