Phyllis Meister

Phyllis (Pettit) Meister

 Age 86, of Plymouth Passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on December 22, 1938, in Loretto, Minnesota, to Francis Pettit and Esther (Stubs) Pettit, Phyllis was raised on a dairy farm where she proudly took part in every chore—even caring for the chickens, which she had no love for. Like her father, Francis, she valued hard work and found joy in it. Even late in life, she could often be found spending hours tending to flower gardens, pulling weeds and picking up sticks in her own yard (and sometimes in her children’s yards).

She loved going with her sister and cousins to dances at Lake Sarah and to town ball games in Loretto. Card clubs, golfing, cousin lunches, and dinners were all wonderful excuses to spend time with friends and family—her happiest moments. She worked downtown at IDS with her sister, Shirley, and eventually worked 30 years in the math department at Armstrong High School, where she made lifelong friends.

In 1960, Phyllis married the love of her life, Chuck, and together they moved to Plymouth to raise their family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother—always there to listen, encourage, and offer a shoulder to cry on, as long as you were willing to put in the work. She grew to love traveling and even camping, as long as she could sleep in the van and not a tent. Many weekends were spent at nearby campgrounds with friends, and her family eventually traveled to all 48 mainland states. Phyllis planned every meal, packed every bag, and served as the faithful navigator. Later in life, she and Chuck enjoyed many trips with friends to warmer destinations as well as other countries.

Her home was always open and welcoming, whether for holidays, neighbors dropping by, or anyone needing a place to sit and visit. She loved sharing the beauty of their yard, Christmas cookies, and the planned or last-minute dinners she and Chuck made together each year. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren; each of whom believed they were her favorite because of the love and attention she showed them.

One of the last of the true “drop-in visitors,” Phyllis loved nothing more than taking a drive to her parents’ or sister home, often stopping to see several relatives or friends along the way. She made frequent visits to those in hospitals, nursing homes, or at home, and if she couldn’t make it in person, she always made sure to call. A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Parish, her deep faith gave her strength and guided her in supporting others through both joy and hardship.

When Chuck began to show signs of Alzheimer’s, Phyllis faced the challenge with grace, patience, and unwavering strength drawn from her faith. Never one to complain, she quietly took on more of the responsibilities he could no longer manage, caring for him at home as long as she safely could.

Phyllis will be remembered for her steadfast faith, tireless work ethic, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her devotion to family and friends, her love of simple joys, and her gift for making others feel welcome will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Joseph Meister; brother, Lawrence Pettit; and sister, Shirley (Pettit) Harff.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Meister (Chris Schirber); son, David Meister (Tracy [Kunz] Meister); grandchildren, Melanie (Meister) Greeninger, Joseph Meister, Samantha Meister, Francesca (Schirber) Finn, and Simon Schirber; great-grandchild, William Greeninger; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Parish Community of St. Joseph, 8701 36th Avenue N., New Hope, MN, on Tuesday, November 25th, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 9:30–11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Old St. Thomas Cemetery, 9300 Trail Haven Road, Corcoran, MN, at 1:30 PM.

Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota–North Dakota Chapter.