Tuesday, June 21, 2016 2:15 pm
Phyllis Dotzenrod Lewis, 92, of Ossian, died Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, with Rev. Robert Gross officiating. Pianist is Marilyn Breitsprecher. Cantor is Don DiLaura. Hymns are “Here I am Lord,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lectors are Michael Wenthold and Todd Schissel. Offertory gift bearers are Emily Kesterson, Kaelan and Keira Smyser. Eucharistic ministers are Ken and Mary Schissel. Casket bearers are Mark Dotzenrod, R.A. Dotzenrod, Dylan Kesterson, Don Lewis, Michael Lewis, Reid Lewis, Ryan Lewis, T.J. Schissel, Todd Schissel. Joe Service, Francis Wenthold and Michael Wenthold. Interment is at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian. Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.
Phyllis Catherine (Huber) Dotzenrod Lewis was born in Howard County Feb. 7, 1924, to Art and Iva (Swenson) Huber. She graduated from Rudolphinium High School in Protivin and Iowa State Teacher’s College, Cedar Falls, with a teaching certificate. She taught country school in Howard County in a one-room schoolhouse. She was united in marriage to Elwyn “Dutch” Dotzenrod June 18, 1942, in Protivin. They were the proud parents of five sons and five daughters: Elwyn, Jr. (Judy) Dotzenrod of Decorah, Richard (Dana) Dotzenrod, Decorah, Karen (Bob) Friest, Cedar Rapids, Randy (Jean) Dotzenrod, Calmar, Mary (Ken) Schissel, Calmar, James Dotzenrod, Decorah, Kevin (Julie) Dotzenrod, Decorah, Laurie (Bill) Kesterson, Winter Park, Fla., Lisa (Tim) Crowley, Orlando, Fla. and Lynette (Terri) Wenthold, Ossian. Dutch passed away in 1973. Phyllis married Kenneth Lewis April 13, 1985, and was blessed with five step-children including John (Carol) Lewis of Cresco, Bob (Marlene) Lewis, Cresco, Dave Lewis, Cresco, Kirk (Lynn) Lewis, Cresco and Deb (Larry) Erickson, Cedar Falls. Kenny died in 1994. Phyllis enjoyed many activities including reading, playing cards, especially Bridge and 500, crossword puzzles, sewing and baking, but mostly she enjoyed being with her family. Phyllis was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was a gracious lady and her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. Mom, thank you for being our guiding light and for teaching us the importance of family.
Phyllis is survived by her children, step-children, 31 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Jeanne Huber of New Hampton and Martha Teetshorn of Decorah and brother-in-law Dr. Wayne (Marlys) Dotzenrod of Milford.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dutch; and her husband, Kenny; daughter-in-law, Sandy Dotzenrod; step-son, Bob Lewis; and grandson, Ryan Lewis; her siblings and in-laws: Donald (Lou) Huber, Norbert (Grace) Huber Maxine (Frank) Brackin, Patricia (Manley) Leitz Kenneth Huber, Arlone (Clifford) Nelson, Shirley (Arnold) Kratz and Roy Teetshorn.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Ossian Senior Hospice for their tender care of our mother during the last months of her life. “People may forget what you did… They may forget what you said…But they will never forget how you made them feel”. Thank you for caring.
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