Phyllis Leola Groenewold was born May 20, 1931 in Worthington, MN to Charlie and Mabel (Rachuy) Groenewold. She was raised on the family farm near Rushmore during the Great Depression, and attended country school through 8th grade. She then began working full time on neighboring farms to help support the family.
She met Daryl Lambert after he returned from the war in Europe and they married on September 16, 1951. They had grown up on farms only three miles apart, but didn’t know one another until they started dating. They settled in Worthington where Daryl worked for the City of Worthington and continued farming for many years. They raised three children.
Phyllis was involved in local activities including The Okabena Women’s Club and Worthington Christian Church, and very much enjoyed her time working as a teacher’s aide at West Elementary School. She was an honorary life member of the Southwest Minnesota Fishing Club, and a constant supporter of the Round Lake Sportsmans Club and Pheasants Forever. She was the lucky winner of many raffles, including the RLSC grand prize of a boat and trailer.
Phyllis and Daryl spent many vacations fishing and camping in the north woods of Minnesota. After Daryl’s death in 1983, Phyllis continued to enjoy her card groups and coffee gatherings with friends. She took great pleasure in spending time with her special friend, Roman Lenz, on the dance floor, playing cards, or going to the movies. She had a huge love for dogs and in later years, enjoyed helping out at her son’s breeding/training dog kennel. First and foremost, Phyllis loved her family and her main goal in life was their happiness.
Phyllis passed away on February 6, 2021 at Edgewood Assisted Living in Blaine, MN.
Phyllis is survived by her special friend of 34 years, Roman Lenz; her three children: Denny (Joni) Lambert of Carver, MN; Gale (Dan) Barkley of Blaine, MN; and Thad (Jodi) Lambert of Bemidji, MN; eight grandchildren: Jessica (Wade) Berger, Collyn Lambert, Brian (Kailynn) Lambert, Krista (Nathan) Bailey, Jonathan (Kelly) Moesler, Daryl J. Lambert, Michael and Mariah Feehan; 8 great-grandchildren: Henley and Cavan Berger, Gwen Lambert, Brooks Lambert, Braedan, Charlie, and Wyatt Bailey, and Ruby Sue Moesler. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth (Carol) Groenewold and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl L. Lambert and her parents.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Memorials will be donated to Great River Animal Rescue and Pheasants Forever, and can be sent to: The Lambert Family, c/o Thad Lambert, P.O. Box 742, Bemidji, MN 56619.
Benson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
