Phoebe Tomlinson

Phoebe Faith Tomlinson, 89, Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, surrounded in love and held by her family.

Phoebe was a loving wife, proud mom, grandma, great-grandma, caring and devoted sister, aunt, and friend.

Phoebe Faith Nelson was born on April 21st, 1936, in Duluth, MN, the daughter of O. Plenny and Ruby (McKee) Nelson. She spent her childhood in Duluth until the unexpected death of her father moved the family to Fergus Falls, MN. Phoebe graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954 and attended St. Francis Nursing School in Breckenridge, MN graduating with her nursing degree in 1957.

It was during her time at St. Francis, that Phoebe went to a dance where she met a young college student who became the love of her life, Darrel Tomlinson. Phoebe and Darrel were married on May 31st, 1958, in a candlelight ceremony at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Phoebe and Darrel shared 67 years of marriage and were blessed with four children: Tammy, Jon, Kristi, and Melissa. Darrel and Phoebe modeled for their children a beautiful example of love and commitment.

Phoebe was ever the nurse she trained to be - caring for those around her. Early in her career she worked at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, MN in the nursery loving every baby that came into her care. As her children grew, she became the Health Coordinator for Head Start in Fargo, ND and was dedicated to the children and families that the program served.

Phoebe loved her role as mom and cherished her role as Grandma to her 10 grandchildren and Great-Grandma to her 23 great-grandchildren. She delighted in attending games, concerts, graduations, and weddings of her grandchildren and couldn’t wait to share stories and pictures with her friends.

Phoebe and Darrel made their home in Moorhead where they raised their children and were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. After retirement they moved to Big Donald Lake enjoying many years of lake life and being the meeting place for family. They found their faith community at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham and carried their active participation to Destin, FL.

Finding they had enough of winters, they become snowbirds enjoying their winter nest in Destin, FL where they spent 21 white sand filled winters, enjoying a community of friends, sunsets, parties, restaurants, and sights along the emerald green coast.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes for the wonderful care they provided for Phoebe and her family during her final days.

Phoebe is survived by her husband, Darrel, her children, Tammy (Mark) Kath, Dent, MN, Jon (Jenny) Tomlinson, Laporte, MN, Kristi (Tim) Schutz, Monument, CO and Melissa (Rachel Asleson) Tomlinson, Fargo, ND; her ten grandchildren, Sarah (Brent) Hedrick, Jessica Schutz, Jacob (Becky) Schutz, Elijah (Hannah) Schutz, Joshua (Cassie Barthol) Kath, Chelsea (Tom) Jacobson, Alexis (Brandon) Darling, Jordan (Katri) Kath, Cassie (Brady) Helland, and Joe Tomlinson; and her 23 great-grandchildren, her brother Hollis Nelson, and sisters-in-law Julia Nelson and Jan Nelson and her nieces and nephews.

Phoebe was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Raymond Nelson and Plenny Nelson, daughter-in-law Terri Tomlinson, sisters-in-law Annette Nelson and Fern Fitzloft and brother-in-law Earl Fitzloft.

Phoebe thrived in family celebrations and gatherings and in honor of this tradition her family invites you to share in their celebration of her life on Saturday April 18, 2026, at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham, MN, at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com