Obit: Pope, Phyllis I. (1929 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brost, Hemer, Laabs, Mushel, Peterson, Pinkert, Pope

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 5/01/2018

Pope, Phyllis I. (Peterson) (16 SEP 1929 - 30 APR 2018)

Phyllis I. Pope, 88 of Medford, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018, at Rib Lake Health Services, Rib Lake, where she had resided for the past 8 weeks most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 7 at Community United Church of Christ, Medford, with Pastor Mary Jo Laabs officiating. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.

Visitation will be held at Community United Church of Christ, Medford from 9 – 11 AM on Monday, May 7.

Pallbearers will be Ron Mushel, Jeff Hemer, Doug & Dan Brost.

Phyllis was born on September 16, 1929, at Medford, to George and Ada (Pinkert) Peterson.
She attended Medford Elementary Schools, 1947 graduate of Medford High School; 1951 received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Central State Teachers College in St. Point; 1970 received a Master of Science in Home Economics Education from UW-Stevens Point.

On July 19, 1952, Phyllis was married Leon A. Pope. He preceded her in death February 14, 1998.

In her youth, she was a member of 4-H. She served as a 4-H university extension agent in Price County the summer of 1957. She taught home economics at the following schools: Bonduel, Owen, Dorchester, Rib Lake & started the home economics department at Medford Junior High/Middle School and taught home economics for 24 years, retiring in 1992. She was active in teacher organizations including the Medford Education Association, 1st president, chief negotiator and contract maintenance chair; The Central WI UniServ Council-West-Retired life membership; the WI Education Association Council-Retired life membership; and National Education Association-Retired life membership. She enjoyed her cottage on Sacketts Lake and her pet dogs/cats.

Phyllis was a member of Community United Church of Christ, Medford where she was a past member of its Woman’s Guild, choir and church council; AARP; Past member of Blue Monday’s Ladies Bowling League & American Home Economics Association, WI Home Economics Association and WI Home Economics in Secondary & Elementary Education; Member of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and of Taylor County. Was a delegate from the 7th CD to the National Democratic Convention in 1980, 1984 & 1996.

She is survived by siblings Yvonne (Leon) Brost of Medford & Lynette Peterson of Madison; many Nieces/Nephews, Grand Nieces/Nephews & Cousins.

Phyllis is predeceased by her husband Leon, parents, son David L. Pope on 11-28-15, and stillborn brother William Morgan Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be given to either Hope Hospice of Medford, Community United Church of Christ, Medford or the Medford Education Foundation – Scholarship Fund.

For online condolences, please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com.