Mary Jo Phaneuf
December 24, 1941 ~ November 9, 2017
Age 75 of Forest Lake. Loving Wife, Mom, Grandma Sister passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband, son, and daughter on November 9, 2017. Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred Olive Dixon. She is survived by her husband, James; children, Daniel (Silke Schmidt), Andrea (Paul) Von Goedert; grandchildren, Tammo Finja; siblings, Kathy (Jim) West, Jane (Art) Price, Jim (Jan) Dixon; many nieces nephews. Mary Jo was an elementary school teacher, avid reader, sports fan, and bridge player. She also loved to play piano and play golf and was a long time member at Forest Hills Golf Club. A Celebration of Mary Jos Life at 12 Noon Saturday, November 25th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Roberts Family Life Celebration Home, 555 SW Centennial Dr., Forest Lake, MN.
This was the most Beautiful Celebration of Life! I am at a Loss of words again, to tell this family What a Wonderful Lady/Friend I Knew!! But I will always remember! “WWMJD” What Would Mary Jo do”, She was a class Act, and I am going to work to be more like her.
I am so very sorry for you loss. It is unbelievable that Auntie MaryJo and my Mom, Ruth Phaneuf, would leave us so close together. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss visiting with her at family get togethers. She was always so sweet to everyone. Jim, Dan, Andrea and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
One of my favorite people to play golf with!!! She was such a dear person to everyone and welcoming, too. I will miss her on Thursday league!
One of the nicest and most kind people I’ve met. We will miss her and her smile at the Club — Forest Hills Golf Club
So sad to hear of Mary Jo’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of her growing up in Coleraine and graduating with her from Greenway in 1959. With sincerity, Jake and Barb Steffes
Mary Jo was a wonderful lady………cordial, hospitable, caring and genuine. She was an astute individual and also a great golfer who enjoyed the game. Her family can truly be grateful for having such a wonderful woman as their mother, wife, grandmother, sister and Aunt and caring friend. Life is fragile and all too short. She led a life well lived. Prayers and thoughts go out to Jim and the entire family during this time of great sorrow and adjustment. Sometimes only time and God’s great love for us can take away the anguish one feels deep within our bowels and heart when a loved one we are bonded to departs. God promised to NEVER leave us nor forsake us and His loving Holy Spirit is ever present to comfort us and remind us that He is there…….we’re not alone even though we may be by ourself. Much, much love to the entire Phaneuf family and Mary Jo’s also. May God’s comfort surround you, Much Love, Rodney Beystrom
Mary Jo was a classmate of mine and one of the nicest, friendly and beautiful person I had the privilege
of knowing! She will be missed by all those who knew her, the Lord got a real gem when he called her home!!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family!
I was Mary Jo’s teaching partner when she left Special Ed. and started teaching First grade. We had fun times and lots of smiles during those years! We shared stories about our families and our dogs. i know how much she loved her family!! She will always be with you and I know you have wonderful memories to treasure. You can take comfort that you will see her again. Trina Oswald
I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mary Phaneuf. While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father, Jehovah, return your dear one to you. May the Lord, Jesus Christ himself and God our Father who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope through undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and make you firm. (2Thessalonians 2:16,17)