Phyllis Holle

Phyllis Dorothy (Ihnen) Holle was born March 29, 1925 in her grandparent's bedroom in Holstein, Iowa to Harry and Selma (Bremer) Ihnen. In 1942, she graduated from Excelsior High School and married her neighbor friend, Sylvester Holle on June 27, 1943. Phyllis raised thousands of chickens; bottle fed many lambs, chased pigs and fed cows. Many gardens were planted, fields tilled, and bins filled. Her family remembers the dresses she sewed, the quilts she stitched, the many crafts she made, the cards games she taught them, the cookies she baked and the kitchen that never closed. Phyllis took great joy in her family. Not only in raising their daughters, but also encouraging their grandchildren in many activities. Phyllis had an abundance of patience and grace. Among her many friends were those she worked with, walked with, quilted with, served with and had coffee with. Together with Sylvester, they worked the farm, played cards, danced, fished and traveled with their friends. Her church family remembers her for teaching Sunday school, confirmation, Vacation Bible school, helping with the youth group, quilting group and the Ladies Aid group as they cooked, cleaned and visited those in need. She had a servant's heart. Phyllis passed away on Wednesday April 7th at the Lake Park Care Center. Those left to cherish her memory are her three daughters and their husbands. Sheryl (Ron) Peters of Sibley, IA, Gayle (Court) Baumgard of Round Lake, MN and Jean (Keith) Wilson of Worthington MN. Grandchildren, Matt (Karla) Carstensen, Chris (Brenda) Carstensen, Leah (Damon) Hintz, Lance (Aileen) Baumgard, Holle (Nathan) Spessard, Katelynn Wilson, Daniel Wilson and Anna Wilson. Great grandchildren, Jillian Carstensen, William and Dawson Carstensen. Andrea and Adam Carstensen, Kyuss and Miles Hintz, Cian Baumgard, Noah and Courtlynn Spessard. One great, great grandson Hunter Carstensen. One brother, Earl Ihnen, and three sisters, LaVonne Anderson, Jolene (Eldon) Mulholland, and Karen (George) Koubsky. One sister-in-law, LeAnn (Dick) Jaacks. Preceded in death by her parents, husband in 2006, and one sister, Florence Torgensen.