Phyllis Ann “Rickie” Giorno, 84, of Whitewater, passed away suddenly Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in her home.
Phyllis was born June 1, 1941, in Kenosha, the daughter of the late Elton and Beatrice (Drysdale) Richter. In October of 1961, she married her soul mate John Giorno, who preceded her in death in August of 2017. They truly had a loving, playful relationship through their 56 years of marriage.
Phyllis was a devoted, loving mother and grandmother. She will be remembered for her acceptance, sense of humor, and her famous, “oh well, what do ya do?” response to life’s many challenges. She was a talented cook, always making sure to have food or snacks ready for anyone who may have walked in the door. She loved her animals and to be outside gardening. Yellow roses from her father-in-law’s garden were her favorite. She kept her mind sharp with word searches, puzzles, and a nightly game of Wheel of Fortune.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Lori (Robert) Underhill of Mt. Pleasant, Christine (Leo) Wurzer of Eagle, Roxanne (Steve) Schroeder of Edgar, and Tony (Jill) Giorno of Salem: 13 grandchildren, Jorian, Kamren, Sofia, Grace, Amanda, Johnathan, Morgan, Brittney, Krista, Siara, Kaela, Anthony and Gianna; eleven great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Nancy (the late Carlos) Vestal, Elton (Bonnie) Richter, Jr., Cindy Vasko, Jim Rommelfanger and John Rommelfanger.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her son, John “Rocco” Giorno in 2022; and her sister, Janice (the late Jack) Balma in 2009.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Proko Funeral Home in Kenosha from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at Noon. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery in Kenosha.