Phyllis J. Tober

On September 16, 2018 Phyllis "Philly" J. Tober, at the age of 87, graduated into heaven peacefully in Janesville, WI at Mercy Medical Center. She was born November 6, 1930 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Phyllis grew up in Oxford, WI on the farm of her foster parents, Ethel and Art Vanderbilt.  In her later years, Phyllis would often speak fondly of her time on the farm and was thankful for the opportunity to work hard and be a part of the Vanderbilt family. Throughout her working years she served as a nanny and cleaned homes as a side business.  As a mother she loved her family and especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  After the passing of her longtime companion, Eugene, she enjoyed doing puzzles, crocheting, and word search puzzles. Phyllis will be remembered as adventurous and fearless, as she enjoyed a jet ski ride on the Rock River at a speed of 50 mph at the age of 86!!  In her words, “Grandma wasn’t scared a bit, I loved it.”  She loved music, boating, camping, and even motorcycle rides. 

She is survived by five children, Diane Burns, Gerald (Kim) Tober, Gale (Tina) Tober, Linda Meinheit and Terry Maxwell; twelve grandchildren; many great grandchildren and her sister, Donna Martin. 

She was preceded in death by her foster parents, two infant children, her two sons in law, Calvin Burns & Dennis Meinheit, two infant grandchildren and her very special friend, Eugene Vanderbilt. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kim (manager) and friends of Riverview Heights for the love and care they shared & the staff at Mercy Medical Center for the superb care they gave Phyllis.

A Private Family Service may be held at a later date.  Please share a memory or a condolence with the family on our website. A memorial is being established in her name. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.