Phyllis J. Tomschin

Phyllis JoAnne (Toenges) Tomschin, the daughter of John and Inita (Grimm) Toenges, was born on September 28, 1937, in Albert Lea, MN. She grew up on her parent’s farm near Alden. She was confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake and graduated from Alden High School. Phyllis attended college in New Ulm and worked as a lab and x-ray tech at the hospital in Sleepy Eye, MN.

Phyllis and Louis Tomschin enjoyed many dances together at George’s Ballroom and were united in marriage on June 5, 1959, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Pickerel Lake. They made their first home in Sleepy Eye, where their children, Randy and Brenda were born. After Brenda’s death, they moved to Albert Lea, where their third child, JoAnn, was born. After returning to Albert Lea, Louie and Phyllis joined Ascension Lutheran Church and remained members throughout their lives. Phyllis enjoyed being a member of Altar Guild at Ascension. In 1972, they purchased land outside of Alden and built their family farm. In addition to helping to care for the animals and her beautiful garden, she worked in the lab at the Albert Lea Clinic and for the US Postal Service. Following her retirement from the clinic, she continued working at the post office until her retirement in 2007. Her favorite title of all was being called Grandma.

Phyllis passed away at 88 years of age on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Valley View Care Center in Armstrong, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Louis; parents, John and Inita; daughter, Brenda; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles, Ben (Neva), Clarence, Walter (Margaret), John (Mildred); Minnie (Ralph) Holmberg; Viola (Merlin) Miller, Alice (Dennis) Shumway, and Dorothy (Leonard) Wersal. Left to cherish Phyllis’ memory are her children, Randy (Sandra) Tomschin of Alden; and JoAnn (Chad) Eaton of Armstrong, IA; grandchildren, Bradley (Jessica) Tomschin, Alden, Kelly, (Steven) Krell, Blooming Prairie, Andrea (Daniel) Larson, Alden, Jaycie Eaton, Waukee, IA, Nathan (Courtney) Eaton, Ankeny, IA, and Maxwell Eaton, Armstrong, IA; great grandchildren: Shay, Briggs, Layne, Leo, Henry, Quinn, and Emery, as well as many nieces and nephews. Phyllis is also survived by special friend, Lori Miller of Alden.

Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her caring heart and quiet way of looking after others, always ready to help when needed. Phyllis found her greatest joy in time spent with family and in the simple pleasures of life on the farm. Her kindness, faith, and love will be remembered always by those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Mark Boorsma will officiate. Phyllis’ family will greet guests at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, MN.

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the livestream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.