Phyllis M. Breunling

Phyllis Marie Breunling, 83 went home to her Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2004. A life long resident of St. Joseph, Michigan, she most recently resided at Orchard Grove Extended Care Centre, Benton Harbor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may call from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Joseph, or the charity of the donor?s choice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Phyllis was born March 15, 1920 to John and Marjorie ( Birdsey) Swigert in St. Joseph. She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and worked at the Bell Telephone Company in St. Joseph. A life long member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Phyllis was a founding member and past president of the Mary Martha circle and member of the Altar Guild. She also served as a Deaconess and taught Sunday School for many years. Phyllis served as treasurer for two years during her fifteen years as a member of the Civic Benefit Club. Phyllis married Herbert P. Breunling in the living room of her parent?s home on December 24, 1942, in St. Joseph. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in December of 2003. Survivors include her husband, Herbert; a son, Steven (Kay) Breunling of Northville, MI; two grandchildren, Paul & Jamie. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Marjorie Swigert, and her brother, Craig Swigert. Phyllis will be remembered for her gentle spirit and love of the simple things in life?a beautiful sunset, children at play, the beauty of flowers and love for her family.