Phyllis Ann Hannan, 79, of Hermann, passed away Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at her home.
She was born July 9, 1944, a daughter of the late Otto M. and Dorothy P. (Koeller) Fredrick in Hermann.
Phyllis was an entrepreneur. She sold laser machines in California when most folks didn’t know what they were. She founded Laser Mark-It in Glendale, Calif. in 1985. She later added a second location in her hometown of Hermann in 1992, which was Laser Light Technologies, her most successful endeavor. That company has evolved into what it is today — a division of the Dupont Company. For the successful establishment of Laser Light Technologies, Phyllis was recognized as the U.S. Small Business Person of the year for 1996 by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The award was presented in Washington D.C. by President Clinton.
After retiring from Laser Light in 2012, she decided to pursue her life-long love of plants and healthy products and started a USDA organic certified elderberry farm. She then developed a juice drink, Natures Power, which was a premium blend of elderberry and other super fruits grown and bottled on her farm. She was active in the development of the elderberry industry in Missouri and hosted an international elderberry symposium at her farm.
Active in business and civic organizations, Phyllis served as president of the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. She served on the Fund Development Committee of the Hermann Area District Hospital. She was a driving force on the steering committee which helped secure the new Christopher S. Bond Bridge across the Missouri River at Hermann.
Phyllis was associated with the United Church of Christ. She loved her family, her granddaughter Fiona, her land and her dogs. She also loved to travel and garden. She will be missed by her family, friends and associates who respected her drive and accomplishments. She created a lasting legacy.
She is preceded in death by parents, Otto and Dorothy.
Phyllis is survived by son, Frank Hannan and wife Amy of Defiance; granddaughter, Fiona Hannan of Defiance; brothers, Milford Fredrick of Fla., Maynard Fredrick and wife Martha of Hermann and Larry Fredrick and wife Judy of Washington; sisters, Judy Hoelmer and Karen Somogye and husband Steve all of Hermann; companion, Dale Ridder of Hermann; and caregiver and friend, Stephanie Parrish.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 2, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Hermann, with Rev. Andy Wilson officiating. Burial was at Oak Haven Memorial Gardens, Hermann.
Memorials may be given to Hermann Hospital or Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer.
Arrangements entrusted to Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann.
