Phyllis Hochhalter

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Hochhalter, age 95, of Lehr, ND. She was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Phyllis left us peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on February 2nd, 2026, at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon, ND.

Born on January 26th, 1931, to John and Elizabeth Miller, Phyllis was the seventh of nine children. Her childhood was shaped by the love and support of her family, where she learned the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance-qualities she carried throughout her life.

Phyllis graduated from Lehr High School in 1949 and married Elmer Hochhalter on December 3rd, 1950. Together they welcomed their daughter, LeeAnn, in June 1958. Early in their married years, Elmer served on active duty with the North Dakota National Guard at Camp Rucker, Alabama, where Phyllis joined him. After his discharge, they returned to Lehr, where they farmed for many years and later built a horse training business. Their passion for horses took them from California to Canada, racing alongside LeeAnn and, in later years, with grandchildren in tow who earned their keep by cleaning horse stalls along the way.

A hardworking woman, Phyllis embraced many roles throughout her life-teacher, bank teller, apartment manager, auction sale worker, and countless others. No matter the job, she brought energy, commitment, and friendship.

Phyllis found joy in staying active in her church, participating in quilting clubs, gardening, ceramics, and cooking and baking the recipes her family loved most. She cherished trips to auction sales with Elmer and the kids, visits with her sisters, and-above all-time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was always a place of warmth, welcome, and unconditional love.

She blessed her family with impeccably timed, often unintentional humor; a fierce protectiveness that never faded; and steadfast support through every stage of life-first cars, weddings, new homes, and all of life's other milestones. Her protective instinct to make sure everyone was never without, and the unwavering joy she demonstrated in observing her family's achievements will be greatly missed.

Her presence will continue to be felt in every kitchen where her sacred recipes are prepared, in the treasured quilts and hand stitched pieces throughout our homes, and in the countless hours spent on puzzles that will be enjoyed in her honor for years to come.

She is survived by her daughter, LeeAnn Hochhalter, Langdon, ND: her beloved grandchildren Hope (Ben) Stadler, Cooperstown, ND, Christa (Jesse) Johnson, Langdon, ND, Casey (Melissa) Entzi, Langdon, ND, DeeAnna (Mark) Powers, Mead, CO, Jared (Ashley) Entzi, Langdon, ND; 16 great grandchildren Tavon and Isaac Stadler, Mya and Kade Johnson, Michael, Carson, and Cameron Entzi, Bass, Boone, Saker, Maggie, Jack, Colt, and Ruthie Powers and, Stori and Ellie Entzi; her sisters LaRue Miller and Violet Bitner and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer and her parents, John and Elizabeth Miller, Siblings, Byatta Seefried, Isadore Miller, Walter Miller, Leo Miller, Allen Miller and Darlene Miller

May she rest in peace knowing the lasting impact she had on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Feist Funeral Home, Wishek. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in the spring at the Lehr Cemetery.