Obituary of Florence Wakeland

Florence “Phyllis” Wakeland, 85, passed away at Augustana Healthcare Center in Hastings, MN on April 18, 2018. Phyllis was born in rural Lisbon, ND on October 25, 1932 to Emil “Ole” and Viola (Suter) Martens. She graduated from Lisbon High School in 1950. Phyllis married Gordon L. Wakeland on July 22, 1950. She moved to Farmington, MN in 1998 following Gordon’s death in 1992. Phyllis worked in and outside the home while living in Lisbon. She was Gordon’s partner in Gordon’s Service and learned so much about the business from him. She worked at the Warehouse Grocery store before moving to Farmington where she continued to work until her retirement. A self-described “jack of all trades and master of none”. She enjoyed a multitude of activities which included baking those wonderful sugar, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, peach cobbler and homemade donuts to mention a few. She made the best potato salad, pickled beets and relish. We will never forget all of the Care Bears she made or those “infamous aprons”. She loved the outdoors and a good cup of coffee on the deck each morning while watching and listening to the birds. Her children and grandchildren would describe her as caring and supportive; strong; she had a great smile with those blue eyes; great sense of humor and ability to tell a good joke. She was the life of the party, always living in the moment. She was the kind of mother and grandmother who allowed each of us to be our own person. Phyllis is survived by three children Garnet Bast of Hudson, WI, Mitchell (Wendy) Wakeland of Milwaukee, WI, and Chrystal Blow of Farmington, MN; seven grandchildren Jessica, Trisha, Ashley, Jenna, Gina, Tracy and Stephanie; and 13 great-grandchildren. Phyllis was preceded in death by her son Lance, her parents Emil “Ole” and Viola Martens and her husband Gordon Wakeland. Phyllis loved life, family and friends and will truly be missed by all. A small graveside service for Phyllis will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 16 at Oakwood Cemetery, 6595 Hwy 32, Lisbon, ND with a celebration of life to follow at Cattlemans Club, 409 Main Street, Lisbon, ND.