Phyllis Mae Gerbitz
Phyllis M. (Haskin) Gerbitz, 85, of Endeavor, Wisconsin passed away January 29, 2013 at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford, Wisconsin with the Pastor Frank Giebel officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at the Oxford Village Cemetery at a later date.
Phyllis was born January 3, 1928 in Pardeeville, WI, the daughter of Bernard D. and Vivian M. (Skinner) Haskin. Her childhood home in Pardeeville was the former Lyon’s Hotel, which was the first building erected in Pardeeville. Upon her high school graduation, Phyllis worked as a bookkeeper for various employers in Madison, including Oscar Mayer. Phyllis married Raymond W. Gerbitz on May 21, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Pardeeville. They made their life together farming the family farm.
Phyllis served her Lord while playing piano and organ for St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Phyllis also taught Sunday School and was a member of St. John’s Ladies Aide. Phyllis enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and baking breads, pies, and desserts. She was a 4-H Project Leader for crocheting. Though Phyllis faced many physical maladies over the years, she never complained or gave in to the hardships they brought her. Her strength, faith, and determination allowed her to overcome many obstacles
Phyllis is survived by her children, Marshall (Bonnie) Gerbitz of Okeechobee, Fla., Marcella (George) Clark of Wisconsin Rapids and Linda Gerbitz of Pewaukee; grandchildren, Nathan (Tina) Gerbitz of Markesan, Jo Ellen (John) Westendorf of Baraboo, and Ben (fiancé Chelsea Dresser) Clark of Bay View, Eileen Clark of Plover, and Rachel Clark, of Wisconsin Rapids; great-grandchildren, Leah and Frank Van Houten, Serenity Westendorf, and Cassandra and Ethan Gerbitz; brother-in-law Alfred (Lorena) Gerbitz of Verona; sister-in-law, Lucille Trapp of Delavan; brother-in-law, Faye Luger of Oxford; sister-in-law, Delores Gerbitz of Briggsville; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters, Shirley (Walter) Klausch, Helen (Orrin) Simonson, and Billie Jean (Daniel) Martinelli.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers who worked with Phyllis over the years as well as the Marquette County EMS for providing their special service and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Oxford.
