Phyllis Lovrien Obituary Lovrien, Phyllis (Mericle) age 94, of Excelsior, died at home peacefully. Born Phyllis Marguerite Mericle on September 7, 1912, daughter of Clarence and Florence Mericle in Laurens, Iowa. Survived by two children, George K. Lovrien and Phyllis A. Lovrien (John Sommers); two grandchildren, James Conlan (Kellie) and George Lovrien (Laura); five great- grandchildren and two great- great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, James Keith Lovrien and her son, James Mericle Lovrien. Beloved by all who knew her. Graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree. She studied home economics and in her early career she worked in Chicago for the restaurant chain, Hardings, managing their food service program. Following that she managed the food service operations of the Allerton Hotel in Chicago before marrying and becoming a stay- at-home mom. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, among her many accomplishments, are Girl Scout leader and preschool teacher. She started the Lutheran Church pre-school in Excelsior where she remained for ten years. Her favorite hobby was cooking and she was one to improve upon any recipe in any cookbook. She also grew rhubarb and made rhubarb wine which won a Minnesota state fair award of excellence in the 1980's. Her generosity, warmth and civility to all are well known. She will be missed by her family and friends. Funeral service at 12 pm (Noon) Thursday, August 2nd at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel (3600 Hennepin Ave., Mpls) with visitation half hour prior to the service. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Following the burial at the cemetery a reception will be held at the Calhoun Beach Club. Memorials preferred in Phyllis's name to the Congregational Church of Excelsior (471 3rd Street, Excelsior, 55331) or to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, 55318). David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577