Phyllis June Klocke

Phyllis married Gene Klocke in 1959 and devoted her life supporting her husband Gene, raising three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis was also a member of the PEO group in both Alabama and Illinois. She held various leadership positions in the local PEO chapters she was a part of during her lifetime. Phyllis also was a member of the Arrowhead Garden Club. She received the “Yard of the Month” numerous times over her lifetime. That award always made her happy.

Phyllis passed her love of always looking her best on to her granddaughters by getting her hair done, getting her nails done, never being caught without lipstick, and dressing in clothes that would “catch your eye”! Up until her passing, her granddaughters were taking her every month to get her nails done. She also had a passion for gardening that she passed on to her family. Her favorite was the Hydrangea plant.

Born a Baptist and transferring to become a member of the Lutheran Church after marrying Gene, Phyllis’ faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior was steadfast. She served the church in many various roles over the years. She successfully passed her faith on to the rest of her family. The family leaned on their faith for three family members who are cancer survivors including Phyllis.

Phyllis cherished her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis and Gene were married for 66 years. Family gatherings—especially during the holidays—were frequent, lively, and filled with constant games with her favorite being Shang-hi. The joyful chaos of these reunions was something she deeply loved.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Gene. She survived 19 days on this earth, ready to join him again in her “mansion in the sky”. Her remaining family are her children, Jeffrey Todd Klocke (Kim), Jill Anne Hooks (Randy), and Jane Elizabeth Bates (Jonathan); eight grandchildren—Jefferson Klocke (Jennifer), Jordan Denson (Brandon), Randi Taylor Hooks, Ty Hooks, Millianne Hooks, Duncan Bates, Colton Bates, and Mattie Lucy Bates—and four great-grandchildren: Avery Denson, Parker Denson, Perrie Klocke, and Finneas Klocke, who will carry on the Klocke name.

A celebration of her life will be planned in the spring with all of her family. Spring was her favorite time of year. She loved it because that was when she would plant and play in her flower garden. She was a blessing to all of us.