Phyllis Ann Wuertz

Phyllis Ann Wuertz, 78, of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away on March 24, 2026.

She was born on November 11, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Harold and Violet Brandt (née Johnson). Phyllis graduated from Normandy High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where she met her loving husband, Tom. They shared a devoted marriage and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of this year.

Phyllis dedicated 39 years to teaching at Ferguson Middle School, where she inspired thousands of students and formed lifelong friendships with colleagues and families. She had a true passion for education and was deeply committed to helping her students succeed. She later earned her Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist. Phyllis was also a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles.

She enjoyed playing softball in her younger years and had a lifelong love of swimming, a joy she later shared with her sons, Austin and Bryant. Many cherished summer days were spent at the Bermuda Pool, surrounded by friends who became family.

Phyllis was known for her infectious laugh, beautiful holiday décor, love of language, and quick wit. She had a generous spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She enjoyed playing Bunco with her dear friends, the “Bunco Babes,” and volunteered as a tutor through Oasis for 16 years, where she nurtured and encouraged countless students to grow in reading and confidence. She loved spending time with her four grandchildren, was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and had a special love for her golden retrievers.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Wuertz; her sons, Austin (Amanda) Wuertz and Bryant (Kelsey) Wuertz; her grandchildren, Ava, Violet, Brooks, and Brandt Wuertz; and many loving family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be private for family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations close to Phyllis’ heart.

BackStoppers, Inc.: https://backstoppers.org/
UMSL Scholarship Fund: https://www.umsl.edu/advancement/giving/
Immanuel Lutheran School: https://www.immanuelstcharles.org/
St. Louis Oasis: https://st-louis.oasisnet.org/

Her legacy lives on through the students she inspired and the family she loved so deeply. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.