Phyllis J. (Hildebrandt) Zocher

Phyllis J. Zocher, 86, peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 27, 1938, at Wausau Memorial Hospital to the late Robert and Hazel (Harding) Hildebrandt, Phyllis was a proud graduate of Wausau East High School and Wausau Tech.

Throughout her life, Phyllis embraced a varied career. She worked at Balistreri’s Pizza, managed the Bon Ton Cafe, served as assistant manager at the French Donut Shop, and owned Phyl’s Westside Bar in Merrill. In 1985, she returned to Wausau, where she dedicated 25 years to the state of Wisconsin, focusing on drug and alcohol abuse services working with North Central Health Care Center and Social Services. During this time she also owned and operated Newstart CBRF for 15 years.

She was an enthusiastic Girl Scout leader and an active member of Grace United Church in Wausau. Phyllis, affectionately called "Nana" by her grandchildren, treasured every moment spent with them. She cherished family time, imparting her love for crocheting and knitting to her grandchildren and hosting holiday gatherings at her home. An avid gardener, Phyllis took great joy in tending to her flowers and decorating her yard for the seasons, winning several outdoor holiday decorating contests. Inside her home, she showcased her creativity through decorating, flower arranging, and painting.

Phyllis held her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close to her heart, finding immense joy in their lives. After retiring, she devoted her time to her family and hobbies.

She is survived by her three daughters: Beth (Scott) Jagodzinski, Brenda (Andrew) Whitt and Bobette Helgeson; daughter-in-law: Cindy Kwiatkowski; nine grandchildren: Kaily (Josh) Dolphin, Matthew (Lauren) Ambriz, Ashley (Tad) Jagodzinski, Isaiah Kwiatkowski, Patrick (Camila) Ambriz, Jessica (Brian) Boyd, Jeremiah Whitt, Jennifer (Nick) Baker and Courtney (Steven) Nuernberger; 14 great-grandchildren and many adored cousins. Phyllis was preceded in death by her sons Philip and Patrick Kwiatkowski, her parents, and her brother Gerald (Alice) Hildebrandt.

Phyllis lived life to the fullest, treasuring every moment with her beloved family and friends. She will continue to watch over them, sending her love through the beauty of rainbows, warm breezes, butterflies, and the cherished holidays she loved to celebrate with them.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkaremer.com

“As I sit in Heaven

And watch you everyday

I try to let you know with signs

I never went away

I hear you when you're laughing

And watch you as you sleep

I even place my arms around you

To calm you as you weep

I see you wish the days away

Begging to have me home

So I try to send you signs

So you know you are not alone

Don’t feel guilty that you have

Life that was denied to me

Heaven is truly beautiful

Just you wait and see

So live your life, laugh again

Enjoy yourself, be free

Then I know with every breath you take

You’ll be taking one for me”