Phyllis Mae (Holmquist) Sistek

Phyllis Mae Sistek, age 98, passed into the arms of Jesus on June 22, 2026. She was born on March 7, 1928, in Austin, MN, to Axel and Mamie (Anderson) Holmquist. She was the fifth of six children and grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the values that guided her throughout her life.

On August 29, 1948, Phyllis married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Sistek. The two met when she winked at him across the dance floor beginning a love story that grew into a life filled with family, hard work, and cherished memories. Together they raised four children.

She worked alongside Dick on the farm and again as owners of Resort and Home Furnishings. In 1980, she and Dick moved to Leech Lake, where many special family memories were made. For many years, they also enjoyed wintering in Arizona.

She began traveling at age 80 overseas to Ireland, Italy and Norway.  She traveled twice to the Czech Republic including the Danube River Cruise with her daughters.

Faith, family, and friendship were important parts of Phyllis’s life. She was active in Trondheim Lutheran Church in rural Austin MN and later at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker. She especially treasured the friendships she made with the Point Ladies, whose long lunches, belly laughs, and meaningful conversations were dear to her heart. She enjoyed her Bible Study time with the girls and her Hand and Foot Fridays.

Though she lived nearly a century, Phyllis remained young at heart. She loved having her grandchildren come to the lake and found great joy in time spent with family. Her warmth, humor, and love for those around her will be remembered by all who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Gayle (Pete) Schneider, Sandy (Mike) Pence, and Gloria (Mike) Kozel; her sister, Gladys Bliss; her grandchildren, Geoff (Stacy) Davis, Jon (Leigh) Davis, Anne (Jamie) Zezza, Shannon Maron, Chris Pence (Shannon Broitzman), Amy (Steve) Jensen, Heather (Merle) Coombs, Hannah (Travis) Bailey, and R. B. Sistek (Adam Nunez) Alex Kozel (Gillian Gipe); and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Axel and Mamie Holmquist; her husband, Richard “Dick” Sistek; her son, Rick Sistek; and four siblings.

A visitation will be held on June 28, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, followed by a 1:00 PM service at Hope Lutheran Church, 305 10th St S, Walker, MN 56484.

Phyllis’ care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral home Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com.

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