Phyllis Haldorson

Age 94 of Wilmington, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025 at Aperion Care of Wilmington with her daughter at her side.

Born on October 4, 1930, in Bedford, Indiana, Phyllis was the beloved daughter of Jasper Otto and Agnes (Warren) Hannum. She was raised in Wilmington and attended the Braidwood schools before embarking on a life filled with love, hard work, and selfless devotion to others.

Phyllis married the love of her life, John Haldorson, and together they built a home filled with warmth and care while raising their family. In her early years, she and John shared a passion for roller skating, a simple joy that brought them closer and created cherished memories.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Phyllis was employed by UniRoyal at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant before finding her true calling in caregiving. She spent 32 years as a dietary aide and cook at Royal Willow Nursing Home in Wilmington, remaining steadfast through its many transitions in ownership. Her commitment to her work reflected her natural ability to nurture and support those around her. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly and never hesitated to extend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Phyllis was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington, where she found faith, friendship, and a deep sense of community. Her life was defined by her generosity and kindness, and she sustained an unwavering devotion to family. Phyllis set a beautiful example through the care she gave her mother, a lesson in love and sacrifice that her own daughter would later emulate. Beyond her dedication to others, she found joy in simple companionship—whether through sharing a conversation in good company or traveling near or far with her dear friend, Marge Tidmore.

Above all, Phyllis’ greatest treasure was her family. She lived her life with love and purpose, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and selflessness that will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving daughter and son-in-law: Mary Jo and Dave Morgan; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Fran Hannum of Arizona, Ralph (Lela) Haldorson of Wilmington and Margaret Haldorson of Western Springs, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband John in 1993; son Mark Haldorson in 2014; brothers: Jackie, Donnie and Michael Hannum; brothers-in-law: Howard, Charles, Raymond (Betty), Robert (Genevieve), George and Clyde Haldorson and sisters-in-law: Elsie (Joe) Skubic, Helen (Harold) Jensen, Betty (Joe) Panish, Alice (Elmer) Wills, Lucille (Royce) Quayle and June (Leroy) Hedgecock.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, February 6, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 401 East Kahler Road in Wilmington from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. Reverend Harriette Cross will officiate, and burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington, where Phyllis will be laid to rest with her late husband, John.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Phyllis’ memory to a cancer research organization of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Phyllis’ memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)