Each year for the past 25, we would hear the same thing: “This year will be my last trip to Florida.” And come the next winter, off she went to bask in the sunshine of Fort Myers Beach.  On February 2, Phyllis Pease boarded the plane for her last trip to the warm sunshine and ocean breezes. A massive brain hemorrhage claimed her before she had a chance to enjoy her trip. Phyllis reached out and took Uncle Bob’s hand to leave this world on February 3, 2016, to join her beloved in Heaven.Phyllis Mae Pease (nee: Ruidl) was born in West Allis, WI on August 22, 1926. She was the daughter of the late Otto and Helen (Jungen) Ruidl.  She was a proud graduate of Pius High School and worked at Miller Brewing as an executive secretary.

On April 26, 1952, she married the love of her life, Robert Pease at St. Aloysius Church in West Allis. A faithful and prayerful Catholic, she was a long time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in West Allis.While they had no children of their own, they loved and spoiled every child that came into the family as if it were their own, extending three generations. She was everyone’s favorite aunt. Everyone has special memories of trips to the zoo and birthday lunches. Additionally, she had so many friends that we could never keep track of them all. Friendships extended well beyond her own age group to include older and much younger people. Everyone who knew her simply loved her. Phyllis and Bob loved to travel, especially spending winters in warmer climates after they retired. They spent time in Arizona and Florida, but ended up settling in at Fort Myers Beach. Their network of friends extended all over the country as well as the Milwaukee area. They always enjoyed their “Cousins’ Club.”One of Phyllis’ favorite pastimes was to visit the casino. She enjoyed Bingo, gambling on the boats, playing cards and entering football pools. Almost always lucky, she never got carried away, but enjoyed her time, winner or loser. The day she died, she was scheduled to go to the casino in FL.  We all expect that she picked a winner for the Super Bowl! Phyllis leaves a large extended family and network of friends.

Her sister Lucille Heding is the final surviving member of their immediate family. Nieces and nephews include: Tom (Linda) Heding, Margaret Heding, James Heding, Barbara (Sheldon) Roohr and Christine Heding, Kathleen (Jim) Beduhn, Patricia (Jerry) Styberg, William Ruidl and Gregory (Jan) Ruidl; Uncle Bob’s niece and nephew: Carol Riehle and Don and Pat Pease.Also surviving are: Doug, Angie and Avery Heding; Dan, Tina, Preston and Nora Heding; Christine Roohr and Ryan;  James, Ashley, Jacob, Daniel and Hannah Roohr; Andrew Beduhn; Jeff and Katie Ruidl and their children Jack, Charlie and Marion; Courtney and Tim Krause; Lisa and Steve Nosbisch; and Becca Ruidl.Dear friends Dona Eckhardt and Betty Markgraf  will especially miss their lunches, trips and daily phone conversations. Longtime friend Raymond Arnold welcomed her to the farm in Indiana every summer. It was a trip she looked forward to eagerly. We also wish to thank Laura Zeisse for her friendship and support to Phyllis over the past many years; and Rick Winn (and Eric) whose care and oversight made living alone a safer option.She truly loved each and every one of you and many more not mentioned here. The family is particularly grateful for Florida friends Mary Jean Kaufman and Sandy and Dale Weitz who sat at Phyllis’ bedside in ICU until the family arrived. Their love and kindness will never be forgotten. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bob, her brother Harold and his wife Jean Ruidl, brother-in-law Robert Heding, niece Susan Heding, and great nephew Otto Beduhn, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI on Friday, February 12, 2016. Visitation will be from 4 – 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6 p.m. with Rev. Don Zerkel presiding. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery will be on Saturday at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Milwaukee Catholic Home 3rd Floor Rehab. Unit or Pius XI High School Financial Assistance Program appreciated.