Phyllis J. Etzel

Phyllis J. Etzel (81) passed away Thursday, August 31st. Born Jan 9, 1942 in Toledo, Ohio, to Joseph and Bertha Lewandowski. Phyllis married Stephen L. Etzel on April 4, 1964 at St Catherine of Siena in Toledo. As a mother of four, she guided them through a military upbringing, elegantly orchestrating 23 moves across the nation and overseas with care and compassion. Most important in life was family; her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister (+ in laws), brothers (+ in laws), nieces, and nephews were the center of her world. Friendships from a life of travel were dear to her heart and became kindred for Phyllis. Never one to shy away from a phone call, she would answer at all hours, day or night, listening with warmth and compassion regardless of the subject matter. Always present and never judging, her mentoring and teachings were often lined with unexpected humor and wrapped with a hug. Phyllis loved Holidays and nothing made her more happy than cooking a special meal and having family and friends gathered around a table of good food and wine.

Gifted organizationally and lover of a good list, she spent her life balancing motherhood, a committed career supporting military life and work as a teacher, real estate agent and office manager. Although spelling may not have been her forte, her T’s were always crossed and I’s certainly dotted.

Phyllis leaves behind her husband of 59 years, Stephen; children Kimberly (Jim) Mezger, Kristina (Sean) Etzel Jaynes, Stephen (Rachel) Etzel and Kenneth Etzel; beloved grandchildren Edward Schultz, Zachary (Lily) Mezger, Jacob Etzel and Wyatt Jaynes; great-grandchildren Calliope Mezger and Zophia Mezger; sister Joanne Smith and brothers Daniel (Laurie) Lewandowski and Robert Lewandowski.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her step-brother William Wester and brother-in-law Kurt Smith.

She will be missed most for her unwavering love, compassion and big hugs. We invite you to share stories about Phyllis on Sept 30, 2023 at Saint Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg at 10:00 a.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.diciccoandsonsfh.com

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Phyllis’ name to one of the following charities/foundations:

Cleveland Clinic Foundation- my.clevelandclinic.org/giving/ways-to-give/foundation-giving

Cherry St. Mission Ministries- cherrystreetmission.org

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- stjude.org