FT. PIERRE – Phyllis Marie (Alleman) Stoeser, lovingly known as Phyllis to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on November 12, 2024, in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota. A visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00pm on Sunday, November 17 with a prayer service starting at 6:00pm at Isburg Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Monday, November 18 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ft. Pierre with burial at Scotty Philip Cemetery.
Born in Pierre on August 10, 1931, to Clinton and Sybil (Pender) Alleman she grew up in the Hayes area where she attended the Kirley school and later Pierre Riggs High School, graduating in 1949. She met Ben Stoeser and on June 12, 1954 they married in Fort Pierre, SD at St. John’s Catholic Church.
Phyllis embarked on her journey as an educator after attending teacher’s college at Black Hills State. Her passion for teaching shone brightly as she taught at various schools, including Sansarc, where she had the unique experience of teaching all Stoeser students at one point. Her dedication to education and the well-being of her pupils left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched.
While teaching was her first passion, Phyllis was also a versatile and industrious individual. She managed to balance multiple part-time jobs with grace and efficiency. Her roles varied from working at the Ft. Pierre post office to Little World, Capital City Antique, and Walmart. In addition to this, Phyllis and Ben were the proud owners of the Frontier and Ben Inn motels, where she poured her energy into providing a warm and welcoming stay for all their guests.
Phyllis and her husband, Ben, cherished their time together, often taking scenic drives through the countryside. Farming life offered few opportunities for vacations, but Phyllis found joy in simple pleasures, such as drives in the rain and trips to Montana for Thanksgiving. Her love for gardening was evident in the beautiful array of flowers that adorned her yard.
A fervent supporter of her grandchildren, Phyllis could be heard cheering them on at numerous sporting events, her pride and joy evident in every shout of encouragement. She was a generous gift-giver, delighting in the happiness of others, especially during Christmas and 4th of July, and among other holidays when she would decorate her home with festive cheer. The view from her house, overlooking the river, was a source of constant joy, as were her travels that included bus tours and cruises, exploring the world with the same adventurous spirit that she approached life. She was an active member of Zonta, Catholic Daughters and St. John’s Catholic Church.
Phyllis was a beloved figure in the lives of her children, Jo Lynn (John) Levenick, Mary Beth (Lynn) Fravel, and Teresa (Doug) Keyser. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Brodeur, Lacey (Seaver) Baruch, Lance (Megan) Fravel, Emma (Branden) Voigt, Kara Levenick, John (Kiara) Levenick, Brady Keyser and Shelby Keyser (A.J Rapue). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as GG., Kendall and Landen Brodeur, Lawson and Myah Fravel, Ada and Nora Voigt, Maddex and Wren Levenick, her sister Barb (Mike) Oros, and sister-in-law, Carmen Alleman as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ben, son BJ, brother Clark Alleman, sister Jeannett Benson, granddaughter Megan Keyser, her parents Clint and Sybil, niece Linda Stoeser and nephews Vince Stoeser, Mike Stoeser and Eric Parker. Her brothers-in-laws and their wives, Roy Leo (Waunetta) Stoeser, Alex (Irene and Lucille) Stoeser, Gene (Regina and Nita) Stoeser and Bernie (Pat) Stoeser.
Memorials can be directed to the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association.
