Phyllis Ruzek

Phyllis Ann Ruzek, a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend, departed this world on November 15, 2025, at the age of 81. Phyllis was born on April 19, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, to John Florian and Grace Adele (Konzen) Ernster. She grew up in the heart of the Midwest, where she cultivated a spirit of determination and kindness that would come to define her life.

Phyllis graduated from Xavier High School in Dyersville in 1962, displaying the tenacity that would see her work her way through college. She pursued her educational dreams at Mount Mercy College for a year before continuing her studies at Winona State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching. After marrying Dave Ruzek, she dedicated herself to education, nurturing young minds as a third-grade teacher in Stewartville. After a brief period of living in Austin, Phyllis and Dave moved to Winona so that Dave could study for his master's degree.

She was admired not only as an educator but also as a mother to her two children, Jason and Heidi. The family settled in Lewiston from 1972 to 1985, before moving to Stewartville. In 1988 she earned her Masters of Art in Education. The family moved to St. Charles where Phyllis left an indelible mark on her community. She was a well-respected, sixth-grade teacher in St. Charles, where she devoted 29 years until her retirement. Phyllis was a steadfast presence in the classroom, known for her talent, humor, and compassion. Following her divorce in 1997, she showed strength and determination in finding who she was and the tremendous fiber of her well-being and character. In 2019, Phyllis met Kerry Kenne. They found companionship with one another and married in October of 2020.

Phyllis possessed a multifaceted spirit: she painted and drew with a vibrant flair, stitched creations that spoke of her artistic soul, and traveled to explore new horizons. Fearless in the face of challenges and generous in her giving, she was a beacon of strength and kindness to all who knew her.

Her legacy of hard work, respect, and creativity will be cherished by her family, friends, former students, and colleagues.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Kerry Kenne; children, Jason (Brooke) Ruzek and Heidi (Treff Freidman) Ruzek; step-children, Tanya (Jeff) Reiman and Tony (Sarah) Kenne; grandchildren, Sydney (Brett), Mattie, Ezekiel, Margaret, Simon, Keira, Connor, Brannon, Colin, Daniel; brothers, Les (Vicky) Ernster, Jeff (Vicki) Ernster; and brother-in-law, Dave Meyers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Shelly Meyers.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 11am, with a 1-hour visitation prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Phyllis's name to the Alzheimer's Association.