Phyllis “Phodee” Bower
MADISON- Phyllis “Phodee” Bower, age 87, passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, in Madison. She was born on April 20, 1925, at her home in the Township of Vermont, the daughter of Sever and Dorthea Marie “Malla” Skalet. In 1948, Phyllis married David Bower at Vermont Lutheran Church. She was faithful, gentle, and kind to all of us. Phyllis was the best mom in the world. More than just a mom, she was a teacher and a friend. Phyllis loved music and enjoyed singing in the Victory Choir at Bethel Lutheran Church. She was the most selfless person in the world and was always concerned and worrying for others. Phyllis was very loved by her husband of 56 years.
She is survived by her children, Gary Bower of Madison, Connie (Carl) Fausett of Horicon, Brian (Diane) Bower of Madison, Paul (Barb) Bower of Brainerd, Minn., Diane (John) Twiton of Mount Horeb, Mark (Dianna) Bower of Stoughton and Jean Bower of Mount Horeb; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Mae Rasmussen; brothers, Jorgen Skalet and Gilbert Skalet; sisters-in-law, Ethel Skalet and Inez Skalet. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, David; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; siblings, Thora (Welberne) Gillette, Grant (Grace) Skalet, Maurice Skalet, Phillip Skalet and Steven Skalet, Sr.; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Underwood and Richard Rasmussen.
Funeral services will be held at VERMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, with Pastor Chad Christensen presiding. Burial will follow at Vermont Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Memorials may be made in Phyllis’ name to Bethel Media Ministry or Vermont Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital, Oak Park and Wildwood Family Clinic for all the care they gave Phyllis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Memorials:
Memorials may be made in Phyllis’ name to Bethel Media Ministry or Vermont Lutheran Church.
Visitation:
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.
Service:
Funeral services will be held at VERMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, with Pastor Chad Christensen presiding.
Cemetery:
Burial will follow at Vermont Lutheran Church Cemetery.
