PHEPHLES, Holly E., age 66

Died: Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (1915 Hogeboom Avenue, Eau Claire) with Rev. James Bruss officiating

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on  Friday at Evergreen Funeral Home
and also one hour prior to service at church

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to be donated to cancer research and a local animal shelter

A private interment will be held later

Holly E. Phephles, age 66, a deeply loved wife, mother, grandma, sister, daughter, and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter and unconditional love. 

She was born January 8, 1960, to Robert and Janice (Sperber) Lange in Eau Claire.

Holly was an exceptionally bright and dedicated student, graduating with Valedictorian honors of North High School's Class of 1978. A lifelong and avid animal lover, she was accepted into a veterinary school in Kentucky after graduation-and though life ultimately took her on a different path, her deep passion for animals stayed with her forever.

Her life changed beautifully in the summer of 1977 when she met the love of her life, Kevin Phephles. The two were married on May 22, 1982, embarking on a beautiful 44-year journey of marriage, partnership, and family. Following her schooling, Holly worked at Anchor Inn then as a sales representative for Prange's cosmetics and later at the local Amish store while raising her three children. She eventually found her professional calling as a dedicated dental assistant, spending over 30 years caring for patients at All Family Dental and Eau Claire Family Dental. In 2024, Holly retired from her long career to step into her absolute favorite role: being a full-time, stay-at-home grandma.

Family was the center of Holly's universe. She was an incredibly proud mother to Kyle, Kelsey, and Kody and she enthusiastically cheered them on through every stage of life. She spent countless hours traveling for her sons' baseball games, creating a tight-knit community of lifelong friends along the bleachers. As a grandmother, her six beautiful grandchildren-Kali, Kourtlyn, Klare, Ames, Carson, and Oakes-were her absolute pride and joy and she cherished every moment spent attending their activities and watching them grow.

Holly had a vibrant zest for life and an adventurous spirit. She loved traveling, whether it was enjoying exotic vacations with her beloved coworkers from All Family Dental, taking trips to Texas to visit Kevin's sister Loretta and her husband DJ (Goss), or exploring wine country with Kevin. Closer to home, she cherished annual family lake trips to Camp Brigadoon in Cumberland, Wisconsin with her loving sister Heidi and the legendary trips up north to the Ippolite Cabin in Mercer with the "Labor Day crew" and their spouses.

When she wasn't traveling Holly found joy in the simple things. She loved a good wine trip with her sister Heidi. daughter Kelsey and friends, listening to live music at local wineries with Kevin, getting lost in a good book, and spending quiet afternoons cross-stitching or knitting. Her home was always filled with her favorite things-flowers, horses, and her beloved owls. She could often be found watching her favorite movie Dirty Dancing or turning on HGTV to gather inspiration for Kevin's next home renovation project & loved the food network.  

Holly's bright energy, kind heart and devotion to her family will be missed beyond measure by all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kevin; her father, Robert "Bob" Lange; and sister, Heidi Johnson (Jeff Boggs). Holly is further survived by her children who she loved fiercely: son Kyle (Jenny) Phephles, daughter Kelsey (Brent) Wagner, and son Kody (Alicia) Phephles; her six adored grandchildren, Kali, Kourtlyn, Klare, Ames, Carson, and Oakes; and her nephew and godson, Carter (Iris) Johnson; along with many extended family members, coworkers, and dear friends.

Holly was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Marie (Sperber) Lange; grandmother, Margaret Sperber; grandparents, Gladys and Leonard Lange; in-laws, Clarence and Erma (Rott) Phephles; and brothers-in-law, Les and Jerry Phephles.  

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Rene and Bob, Ruth and Randy, Marilee and Steve, Lynn and Jerry, Janis and Paul, Pam and Jim, Malea and Ray, Pat (Kim in spirit), Pam and Terry, Judy and Rick, Tammy and Barry, and Jackie and Greg. Special thanks also go to St. Croix Hospice, the nurses and doctors at Marshfield Hospital/Cancer Center, Pastor James Bruss of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and everyone who supported Holly and her family with love and care throughout her 19-month cancer journey.

P.S. Holly, I LOVE YOU MORE!