Phyllis Darlene Petesch, 90, of Meriden, formerly of Valley Falls and McLouth, died Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the F.W. Huston Sr. Living Center in Winchester. She was born April 19, 1928 in Horton, the daughter of George August and Sophia Louise Kleopper Fridell. She was a 1946 graduate of Denton High School. Phyllis worked many years as a cook and waitress in local restaurants, including the Country Kitchen and Old Bank Café in Oskaloosa. She also worked as a custodian at Aero Quip Company in Lawrence and was a rancher’s wife most of her life. Phyllis enjoyed many activities and spending time with her family. She enjoyed playing cards, farkel, crocheting, embroidery, reading, word puzzles, watching the “Game Channel” and attending and dancing at the Meriden Threshing Bee during the summer and fall activities. She married Ralph Francis Petesch on April 17, 1952 in Atchison, he preceded her in death on March 5, 2007. She is survived by one son, David (Pat) Petesch, one daughter, Kathy Petesch, both of Meriden, three granddaughters Katie Dorzweiler, Emily Petesch (Jesse Noll), Amanda Petesch (Adrian Lamb), eight great-grandchildren, Layne, Logan and Laken Dorzweiler, Kyan Petesch, Nishide Petesch-Lamb, Eleanor Noll, Shamia Petesch-Lamb, Torey Petesch, three great-great-grandchildren, A.J., Kylar and Aubryanna. Phyllis was preceded in death by five brothers, Jess Fridell, Melvin Fridell, Ward Fridell, Dale Fridell, Charles Fridell, two sisters, Genevieve Stuart, Caroline Bernecker, and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 27, at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Grave Side Service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 28 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison. A Celebration of Life Gathering will follow the Grave Side Service at 3:30 PM, Thursday at the Knights Of Columbus Hall in Nortonville. Memorials suggested to Phyllis Petesch Memorial Fund to be designated later in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066. www.barnettfamilyfh.com
Contributor: Raymond Riley (47701938)