Phyllis R. Vindler

Phyllis Ruth Vindler, 91, a longtime resident of the Whiting section of Manchester Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey.

Phyllis was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Born in Jersey City and raised in Ridgefield Park, NJ, she met her beloved husband, Jack, and together they shared an extraordinary journey of 76 years filled with love, commitment, and enduring partnership. Their story began on August 14, 1949 — the first date that led to a beautiful life together.

Three years after that special day, Phyllis joined Jack in England, where he was stationed with the Air Force during the Korean War. They were married in 1952 and welcomed their son the following year. After returning to the U.S., they lived briefly in Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling in Saddle Brook, NJ, where they raised their family and built a warm and loving home. Their journey later took them to Manahawkin, NJ, then to New Port Richey, Florida, before returning to New Jersey to be close to their son and grandchildren. For the past 27 years, they’ve called Whiting home.

In her earlier years, Phyllis worked as a sales associate at Gimbels Department Store. Later in life, she found joy in volunteering with Hospice in New Port Richey. Faith played an important role in Phyllis’s life — she was a devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Whiting, where she found both community and spiritual fulfillment.

Phyllis loved simple pleasures: dining out with Jack, going to the beach, bowling, and attending events in her retirement community at Crestwood Village 5. Her greatest joy, however, was time spent with family. She was the heart of the family — capturing moments with her ever-present camera, proudly displaying photos throughout her home, and never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, or special milestone. Her thoughtful cards and check-in phone calls were a cherished part of her love language, ensuring her loved ones always felt remembered and valued.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Wogram; her brother-in-law, Otto Wogram; and her grandson, William R. “Billy” Vindler.

Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Jacob “Jack” Vindler; her loving son, William J. Vindler, and his wife, Lynn; and her beloved grandchildren: Carrie (Tom) DiStefano, Christi Vindler (Rich), and Emily (Jon) Tversland. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Abriella (Frank) Basek, Madelynn Leggour (Eric), Logan Leggour, Natalie & Samantha DiStefano, and Liam & Kai Tversland. Phyllis is also survived by her niece, Cindy Laskowski; great-niece Amy (Frank) Hynes; and their children, Brady and Lilah.

Phyllis will be remembered for her generous heart, joyful spirit, and the love she so freely gave. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759. A private committal service will be held at a later date at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Road, Whiting