Phyllis L. Monka

Phyllis L. Monka, 89, of Merrill, WI, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Phyllis was born January 21, 1935, in Two Rivers, WI, daughter of Fred and Ida (Block) Gregor. She married Richard F. ‘Dick’ Monka on February 15, 1958, in Two Rivers. He preceded her in death on April 3, 2012. Phyllis was a homemaker and had worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill. One of Phyllis’ favorites things to do was talk about her grandson, Ian: she adored him. Phyllis appreciated the arts was talented in wood carving, caning chairs, and painting. Phyllis enjoyed travelling to Massachusetts to visit her son, Greg, and spend time at Martha’s Vineyard. 

Survivors include two children, Greg Monka, of Edgartown, MA, and Stephanie (David) Springborn, of Merrill; one grandson, Ian Springborn, of Chanhassen, MN; and one brother, Don (Joanne) Gregor of Ripon, WI. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Richard ‘Dick’ Monka; parents, Fred and Ida Gregor; and sister, MaryAnn Emond.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 903 E. Third St., Merrill. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many professionals who helped Phyllis: Aspirus’ Merrill Medical Clinic, the Cardiology Clinic, the Regional Cancer Center – Radiation Oncology, the Wound and Hyperbaric Center, Interim Hospice, and Bell Tower Residence. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com