Phyllis Louise Rasmussen Tegeler

     Phyllis Louise Rasmussen Tegeler of Ganado, Texas passed peacefully to heaven on January 17, 2025 at the age of 83 years. She was born on July 13, 1941 in Wharton, Texas and attended Edna High School. 

     Nicknamed “Blondie” as a child due to her cotton blonde hair, she never knew a stranger. Phyllis married Gus Tegeler, Jr. on July 16, 1957, who predeceased her in 2018. They were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary together. 

     Blondie had a big laugh and didn’t hold it back. For her, it was always about people and relationships. After working for Priesmeyer’s Dept. Store in Ganado, she and Gus opened Tegeler’s Gift and Variety Store on Ganado’s main street, offering a full-service variety store and wedding registry. While she worked at the Ganado Tribune, a few of the Tegeler kids’ shenanigans landed in the paper. 

     For many, though, she’ll be remembered as the “Avon lady” whose customers truly were friends. For others, she’ll be remembered as the babysitter who kept up with her “kids” through graduation, marriage, and beyond. For almost all, she’ll be remembered for that hearty laugh and her unconditional love.

     She was an enthusiastic fan of Bunco nights and cherished the close friendships within her group. Dominoes and drinking lots of black coffee with their circle of friends and family was Gus & Blondie’s choice of entertainment. 

     She loved music (especially Elvis), played the piano, was an accomplished seamstress, and loved dancing-- a gift we’re grateful she got to enjoy in her last years. She honed her creativity as a young mom with painting and ceramics, and later as Meme and Granny, crocheting baby blankets, afghans, and keepsakes for family. 

     Gus and Blondie were blessed with five children: Kevin (Cynthia) Tegeler of Louise, Monica (Gary) Bard of El Campo, Tyanne (Bill) Rakowitz of Ganado, Holly (Ken) Morgan-Bowen of Victoria, and Kolby Tegeler of Victoria. When Phyllis was promoted to Meme and Granny, she beamed with pride and joy and did so until the end. 

     She is survived by twelve grandchildren: Krystl (Tegeler) Spacek and husband, James; Kassidy (Tegeler) Neiderhiser and husband, Brad; Kyle Tegeler and wife, Emily; Meredith (Bard) Putman and husband, Van; Randy Rakowitz and wife, Gretchen; Ali (Rakowitz) Sulak and husband, Wes; Ross Rakowitz and wife, Samantha “Sam”; James David “J.D.” Morgan; Dakotah Morgan; Michaelah (Morgan) Neilson and husband, Richard; Jaxon Morgan; and Jax Talyn “J.T.” Gerjes-Tegeler.

     Her blessings grew to sixteen great-grandchildren (with another due to arrive in April): Liam Spacek; Addilynn, Caroline & Julianne Neiderhiser; Vail & Nellie Putman, Rustyn & Ridge Rakowitz; Mason & Connor Sulak; Radley, Rollins & Riggs Rakowitz; and Michael, Elizabeth & Hannah Neilson. Her lifetime protector and connoisseur of Blondie’s fried chicken, she is survived by her devoted brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth & Patsy Rasmussen of Edna, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her father, Hans Raymond Rasmussen, her mother, Lucille (Steedly) Stechmann, her brother, Ray, and sister, Barbara. 

     Funeral services were held on January 27, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church, Ganado, with interment at the Ganado Cemetery. 

     Pallbearers were Randy Rakowitz, Wes Sulak, Ross Rakowitz, James Spacek, Brad Neiderhiser, Kyle Tegeler, and Van Putman. Honorary pallbearers were James David “J.D.” Morgan, Dakotah Morgan, Richard Neilson, Jaxon Morgan, and Jax Talyn “J.T.” Gerjes-Tegeler.

     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St. James Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 250, Ganado, Texas 77962. 

     The family gives special thanks to Kim Hicks and the Grow in Grace caregivers at both Edna and Ganado, the staff and caregivers at Ganado Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the care team at Hospice of South Texas. Because of your special care, we enjoyed more good years with mom, and she enjoyed her last years filled with laughter, dancing, and love. Thank you.