Phyllis Wiskus

Phyllis Wiskus, 74 of Dedham, died early Tuesday morning at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, following a battle with cancer. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 16, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Edmund Tiedeman, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music for the funeral mass will be by Cindy Bauer and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lectors will be Susan Pauly and Mary Thompson. Gift Bearers will be Phyllis’ grandchildren. Eucharistic Ministers will be Maury and Eileen Lenz. Casket Bearers will be: Don Hoffmann, Doug Martin, Steve Wiskus, Scott Lenz, Mike Lenz, and Brad Lenz. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham. Friends may call at the Sharp Funeral Home after 4 p.m. on Friday where there will be a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church in Dedham. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Phyllis’ family at www.sharpfuneral.com. Born on July 22, 1943 in Carroll, Iowa, Phyllis was the daughter of Edward and Lillian (Brinker) Lenz. She grew up on the Lenz family farm northeast of Carroll and attended Holy Family School. Phyllis later graduated from Kuemper High School in 1961. Following her schooling she was employed with the ASCS office in Carroll. On November 6, 1965, Phyllis was united in marriage to Arnold “Arnie” Wiskus at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lidderdale. Arnie and Phyllis made their home north of Dedham where she was a devoted housewife. Phyllis was also employed with Garst Seed/Syngenta Seed until her retirement in 2008. She enjoyed being a member of the Red Hats, playing cards, cooking, gardening, and trips to the casino. Phyllis was active with various events in the Dedham community, St. Joseph’s Parish, and also volunteered at the New Hope Store in Coon Rapids. Family was very important to Phyllis; she thoroughly enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities as well as hosting family gatherings. Phyllis is survived by her husband Arnie Wiskus of Dedham; her children: Marilyn (Roger) Towndrow of Rome, Italy, Mark (Christine) Wiskus of Pella, Brian (Donnell) Wiskus of Polk City, Alan (Amanda) Wiskus of Castle Rock, CO, Gary (Amy) Wiskus of Dedham, and Todd (Mary Beth) Wiskus of West Des Moines; 13 grandchildren; her siblings: Dean (Joyce) Lenz of Mesa, AZ, Maury (Eileen) Lenz of Decorah, Merle (Mary Rose) Lenz of Mesa, AZ and Ray Lenz of Carroll; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Arlene Brincks of Carroll, Arvilla Oxenford of Johnston, Eugene (Ruth) Wiskus of Hialeah, FL, JoAnn (Roman) Halbur of Garden City, KS, Kate (Don) Miller of Dedham, Robert (Gay) Wiskus of Manning, and Kenny (Debbie) Wiskus of Coon Rapids; as well as other extended relatives and many friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her half-brother, Louie Lenz; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Carol Lenz, Marvin Wiskus, Laverne Wiskus, Joe Brincks, Theresa (Jack) Martin and Jerome (Judy) Wiskus; and her nephew, Chad Lenz.

Phyllis Wiskus

July 22, 1943 - June 12, 2018