Service Information
Phyllis J. Birkholz, age 88, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Oak Heights Covenant Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Cokato Cemetery in Cokato, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Phyllis Jannette Birkholz was born on May 16, 1936, in Middleville Township, rural Howard Lake, Minnesota. She was the daughter of William and Gertrude (Heaton) Jones. Phyllis was baptized in 1949 at the Howard Lake Church of Christ, and later confirmed her faith at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. She received her education at the country school near Cokato and completed 9th grade at the Howard Lake High School.
Phyllis married Wilton Birkholz in 1953 and they were blessed with three children, Bradley, Brenda and Lucinda (Cindy). She made her home in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Phyllis enjoyed working on the farm, tending to her vegetable garden and baby kittens. She taught Sunday school at St. James Lutheran Church. She was employed at Wesley’s Pharmacy, sold Avon and worked at numerous restaurants through the years. She worked at JC Penny for 18 years before retiring at the age of 63. After retirement she worked part time at Cindy’ Floral and volunteered at the Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Clown Club and served on the Board at the Hutchinson Senior Center. Phyllis was a member of the Oak Heights Covenant Church of Hutchinson.
Phyllis loved her flower gardens, enjoyed baking, embroidery, reading, puzzles, playing games, dancing in her younger years, going for walks, and her time living on Lake Erie. She especially cherished time spent with her family and friends.
Phyllis passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 88 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Phyllis is survived by her:
Children, Bradley Birkholz of Howard Lake, MN,
Cindy Woller of Hutchinson, MN;
7 Grandchildren, Beau and Stephanie Birkholz, Cameron and Valarie Birkholz, Shea Birkholz and her fiancé, William Workman, Lindsey and Greg Wendorff, Ryan Heilman and his special friend, Clare Dozier, Amber and Brad Haugen, Zachary and Chelsea Woller;
17 Great-grandchildren; Bonus Grandchildren and Great- grandchildren;
Many other relatives and friends.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her Parents, William and Gertrude Jones; Daughter, Brenda Heilman-Phillips; Siblings and their spouses, Patricia and Harold Schroedl, Marion Weller, Dale and Lois Jones, Robert Jones.
Cindy Schlueter says
I worked with Phyllis at Penneys. She was the sweetest lady and so very pretty. I am sorry for your loss.
Marlene Benson says
I also worked with her at JC Penney and she was a very sweet, classy Lady. I will miss her visits when she stopped at my work to chat. My sympathies to the entire family for the loss of a loving and caring loved one.
Becky Getz says
Cindy and family
Sorry to hear of this. I first meet her also working at Penney’s
Thoughts and Prayers to you all.
Bev says
Phyllis worked at Penney’s when I worked in the salon. Phyllis was a very classy lady.
She will be missed.
Cindy Karg says
With sincere sympathy to all! Phyllis was an amazing, kind woman with a big heart! May all the blessings you’ve shared give you comfort during this difficult time.
Connie Harbarth says
Cindy and family,
My thoughts and prayers to you. Phyllis was such a kind person and a very sharp dresser. I will miss our chats and friendship over the years.
Lizabeth says
I knew Phyllis from my childhood as Brenda and I were classmates and friends throughout the years. And also worked with Phyllis at my family’s restaurant as waitresses. She was such a lovely, kind, soft spoken lady and will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Brad and Cindy and families.
Jo Jensen says
With sadness and regret, I recently heard about Phyllis’ passing. Phyllis and I go back a long way. We became fast friends while I was living in Hutchinson and married to Mert Jensen. I will always cherish the fun times we shared on Lake Erie with her and Mert’s brother Darrell. I was so proud to call Phyllis my friend. I will always regret that distance prevented us from seeing each other often in recent years. Rest in peace dear friend, till we meet again.