Phyllis Marguerite Gontjes

Phyllis Marguerite Gontjes, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, in Prospect Heights, IL, at the age of 89. Born in Sioux City, IA, on March 16, 1936, Phyllis was the cherished daughter of the late Glenn Odell and Helen Marguerite Gunsolley (nee Manning). She lived a life marked by her faith in God, devotion to her family, and the gentle guidance she offered to everyone she encountered.

As the loving wife of Leonard James Gontjes, Phyllis shared a beautiful and enduring partnership that was a testament to their mutual respect and affection. Together, they built a family and a home that was always filled with warmth and laughter. Phyllis was the dear mother of Jim (Jill) Gontjes, Brian Gontjes, Joel (Jennifer) Gontjes, and Beth Gontjes. She instilled in her children the values of kindness, integrity, and perseverance.

Phyllis took immense pride in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren, Jaymes (Taryn), Kate, Kyle (Abby), Jansen (Amber), Rob (Marilyn), and Emma, will fondly remember her loving presence and unconditional love. She enjoyed celebrating their successes and offering constant support. Phyllis is survived by three great- grandchildren: Dempsey, Phoenix, and Hollyn.

Phyllis was a fond sister, holding dear the memories of her late brother Glenn Dale Gunsolley (Marilyn), and cherishing the bond she shared with her sisters Jane (Don) Huwe and Charlene (Jim) Knudsen. Her siblings knew her as a confidante and friend, someone who could always be relied upon for support.

Professionally, Phyllis began her teaching career in the classroom. When she started having her own children, she opened a home daycare in the Greenbriar subdivision of Arlington Heights. She touched the lives of countless children and their families, providing not only education to prepare children for kindergarten, but also care, affection, and a nurturing environment. Her natural ability to connect with children and her dedication to their development were among the many qualities that made her exceptional in her field.

Phyllis's interests were varied, but above all, she loved God and her family. She faithfully attended The Orchard Church during her adult life and she consistently placed the needs and happiness of her family members above her own. Her home was a hub of family gatherings, celebrations, and countless cherished moments.

Although Phyllis Gontjes's journey on earth has concluded, the impact of her life will continue to be felt by all who were blessed to know her. She will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created will be treasured forever. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the countless ways she enriched our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phyllis’s honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/sanantonio?form=FUNDHYMMBXU) or Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved/donate).

The visitation will be at 9:30AM on Friday, August 1 at The Orchard, Arlington Heights campus,1330 N Douglas Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, followed by a funeral service at 11:00AM. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights, 2501 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”