Phyllis Frances (Worwa) Nees

Phyllis Frances Nees, age 98, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Frank and Annette Worwa and grew up in North Minneapolis.

In 1945, Phyllis graduated from Patrick Henry High School alongside her high school sweetheart, Warren. On July 14, 1951, she married Warren Nees. Together they built their first home in Golden Valley, Minnesota, later moving to Montevideo, Minnesota, and eventually retiring in Big Lake, Minnesota.

Phyllis loved life and her family. She was known for her Polish pancakes, her fun and generous spirit, strong faith, and her gift for making every holiday special. With a big heart and a warm, welcoming nature, she made everyone feel loved and important—and nobody ever left her house hungry or thirsty. Sleepovers with grandchildren were eagerly anticipated, and nobody could beat her back scratches. Phyllis enjoyed visiting with people and found great joy in gardening, birdwatching, reading, pull-tabs, and bingo. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Paul and Frank Worwa; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Jack Mooney; sister-in-law, Margaret Worwa; niece, Mary Mooney; and son-in-law, Bernie Hancock.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 74 years, Warren Nees; brother, John Worwa; sister-in-law, Sandy Worwa; daughters, Linda Hancock, Paula Nees, and Nancy (Terry) DuBois; grandchildren, Kate (Brandon) Altman, Ben (Renee) Hancock, Dan (Chelsey) Hancock, Joe DuBois, and Robbie DuBois; and great-grandchildren, Luke, Abe, Emi, Mady, and Ian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church, 440 Lake Street North, Big Lake, MN 55309. A luncheon will follow at the church.

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