Phyllis Gehl

Phyllis Jean (Block) Gehl, age 75, of Grand Rapids passed away unexpectedly after a few years of declining health on October 29, 2020. Phyllis lived her life dedicated to her family and friends and left this world peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Richard, with whom she celebrated 53 years of marriage on October 28; siblings, Donald Block (Joy) of Pinckney and Suellen Lowther (Donald) of Grand Haven; daughters, Jennifer Gehl (Matthew Schroeder) of East Grand Rapids, Jessica Gehl of San Diego, Joanna Waite (Chris) of Grand Rapids; son, Justin Gehl of San Francisco; grandchildren, Madeline & Oscar Schroeder, Maya & Kai Gehl, and Spencer, Breslin & Sydney Waite; aunt, Eva Steiner of Fargo, ND; uncle's, Seymour Harkema of Grand Rapids and Kenny Block of Northwood, IA; and numerous cousins, nieces, & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merrill & Ruth Block; parents-in-law, Howard (Boots) & Marian Gehl; sister-in-law, Cindy Block; and brother-in-law, Wesley Gehl. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State University where she received an undergraduate degree in Home Economics and Master's Degree in Education. Phyllis had an extensive career in community education guiding and mentoring students to success through an untraditional high school experience. In addition to teaching, she enjoyed working in sales having been employed by Jacobson's Department Store and David's Bridal. Phyllis had a passion for gourmet cooking and loved entertaining through organizing and hosting dinners for family and friends. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved traveling with and to visit family. She was a life long active member at Trinity Lutheran Church. She is profoundly missed by all who knew her. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Trinity at a later date when travel is safe. The family encourages memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis Gehl, please visit our flower store.