Phyllis Dieringer Stemper

Phyllis Mary Dieringer Stemper peacefully passed away at the age of 95 at Kathy Hospice in West Bend on May 22, 2026.

The daughter of Thomas and Olive (Gremminger) Dieringer, she was born in Fond du Lac on May 21, 1931.

Phyllis graduated from Port Washington High School.

In 1949, she met the love of her life, Edward Stemper. They married on Aug. 5, 1950, and moved to the Stemper family farm to begin a lifelong journey of dairy farming.

Edward died in 1999, just a few weeks short of their 50th anniversary.

Phyllis loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her cows, gardening, cross-stitch and spending time with her dog Thor. She also loved hosting dinners for her brother and the many family members and friends who stopped by to visit her.

She lived on her own until the time of her death. Always active, she managed her own finances, cooked, baked and made her favorite homemade applesauce until her death, a true inspiration and a blessing to all who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her children Jacquie (Jeff) Voeks, Jim (Janis) Stemper and Jon (Jenn) Stern, who was like a son and brother; daughters-in-law Tammy and Sharon; two siblings, James Dieringer and Elizabeth Grant; and many grandchildren: Jennifer (Joe) Davidson, Patrick (Jessica) Stemper, Lesley (Deakin) Washtko, Jessica (Matt) Hopeman, Lauren Stemper and Lexie (Hugh) Stemper.  She was blessed with three bonus grandchildren, Greg Emmrich, Ryan (Carrie) Emmrich and Dawn Emmrich, as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Olive, in-laws Edward and Viola Stemper, sons Jerry and Daniel, sisters Olive and Lucille (Don) Odekirk; brothers Andy (Audrey), Addy (Jean), Gregor, Tom (Barb) and Francis (Pat), sister-in-law Laneille Dieringer and brother-in-law Peter Grant.

Gerald Malueg, deacon (retired), and Chris Chrom, pastoral care coordinator at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception, West Bend, will conduct a Catholic Word Service at her home church, St. Mary’s in Little Kohler, W4790 Hwy. H, Fredonia, on Saturday, July 11. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the service and a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Waubeka Fire Department or St Mary’s Immaculate Conception in West Bend.

Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.

Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.