Funeral Service Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 11:00 AM United Church, Westside, Iowa
VFW & American Legion Auxiliaries Honor Guard
Officiating Pastor Richard Francis
Congregational Hymns "In The Garden" "The Old Rugged Cross" "I'm But A Stranger Here"
Janine Kock, Accompanist
Casketbearers: Randy Mahnke, Lynn Odendahl, Joe Odendahl, Gary Odendahl, Steve Pfannkuch, Andrew Gottsch, David Weller
Honorary Casketbearers: Marland & Linda Mattox, Dick & Carol Mattox, Marlene & Glen Hipnar, Lila & Perry Kelley, Gene Olson In Memory of Marilyn Olson, Don "Barney" & Cleo Burnett
Interment Westside Cemetery, Westside, Iowa

The family wishes to express their gratitude for your kindness evidenced in thought, word and deed, and invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at The Community Building following the committal service.

Phyllis Elaine, daughter of Earl and Lela (Blair) Mueller, was born November 5, 1928, on a farm north of Walnut in Shelby County, Iowa. She attended Monroe No. 8 and Layton No. 4 schools and graduated from Walnut High School in 1946. Phyllis earned her Limited Elementary Teacher's Certificate on November 5, 1946 and taught country school for two years, the first at a school near Marne and the second at Monroe No. 8 near Walnut. As a young girl, Phyllis was active in the Layton Willing Workers 4-H club. In 1948 she was awarded the Ak-Sar-Ben gold medal and was recognized as the member who had rendered the greatest service to the county 4-H effort during the past year.

On December 30, 1948, Phyllis was united in marriage with Harold Voege at Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church in Walnut (where she had been confirmed on March 29, 1942). They made their first home on a farm four miles northwest of Manning for two years before building their home on the farm owned by Harold's parents. One daughter, Jean, was born to this union.

Phyllis was a farm wife and helped with all aspects of the family farm operation. In addition, she raised ducks, geese, chickens, sold eggs and had a large vegetable garden. Phyllis noted, "I like the outdoor life and the simple way of doing things." She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Westside where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She became a member of the United Church in Westside and was elected to serve on the first parish council created by the joining of St. John's and Westside Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Westside Cemetery Auxiliary.

Harold passed away September 14, 1995, and Phyllis moved into an apartment in Manning in November 1996. She became active in a number of community organizations serving as the Chaplain for the American Legion Auxiliary and the Guard for the VFW Auxiliary for a number of years. She was also a member of the Aspinwall Community Club Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteering for bingo at the Manning Plaza.

She enjoyed having a cup of coffee and piece of pie at Deb's Corner Cafe in Manning visiting with her friends and family. She often commented, "I have a dozen cousins and Harold has dozens of cousins." After retirement, Phyllis enjoyed many trips with Jean. Their travels included Cape Cod, the California Redwoods, the Oregon coast, Mt. St. Helen's, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and Disneyland. Her last trip in January 2007 fulfilled her dream to attend the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California.

Phyllis became a resident of the Manning Plaza in November 2009 where she died on Saturday, April 10, 2010. She was 81 years, 5 months and 5 days of age. When asked how she would like to be remembered, Phyllis responded "Just think of me as a person who was willing to work and help other people."

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold Voege; and sister-in-law Arlene Voege.

She is survived by her daughter Jean Voege and friend Sue Mulvihill of Manning, many cousins and friends; and her brother Milton (Vera) Mueller of Walnut, and their daughters Donna and Rita.