Phyllis Kathryn Wisch

After a long and fulfilled life Phyllis Kathryn Baker Wisch passed away on October 28, 2012. Phyllis was born on January 14, 1922 to Harry and Nina Baker in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She had an older brother Malchus and a younger sister Kathryn. At a young age her family settled in Bunker Hill, Illinois where she attended school graduating from Mercer High School in 1941. During her childhood and school years, Phyllis enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball and being part of the school band. In later life, she enjoyed league bowling, golf, and tennis.

Phyllis graduated from St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Alton, Illinois and became a registered nurse. During World War II, she taught nursing courses at St. Louis University. Her first great adventure was moving to Kansas City, Missouri to help fill a need for nurses in that area. The short time she spent there had a lasting impact on her life.

After the war she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alton. Phyllis would return to Bunker Hill many weekends where she was casually dating a young teacher, Paul J. Wisch. In March 1948 a tornado hit Bunker Hill leveling most of the community. She was the only medical personnel in town for several days. The tornado made Paul and Phyllis realize how much they cared for each other. They were married on June 12 of that year. They had been married 58 years when Paul passed away.

Paul’s career took them to all corners of the world. They lived in four states (Illinois, Colorado, Michigan and California), Bangladesh and Australia. In 1985 they moved to Roseville, California to spend their retirement years. Phyllis was able to make a comfortable home where ever they lived. She had a knack of making life long friends, investing in her relationships regardless of the miles separating them. She was a gracious hostess, often entertaining her many friends.

Paul and Phyllis had two daughters, Paula and Peggy. Phyllis was very supportive of her girls’ activities. She was a great storyteller; many of her stories were about her childhood. She was an excellent baker, her specialty was Christmas cookies. Her grandchildren felt that the Holidays began once her cooking baking was done. Her recipes will be cherished and shared for many generations to come. Also, she was very active in church activities.

After her first battle with breast cancer, Phyllis became very involved with the Reach for Recovery program. She volunteered countless hours at the Roseville American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop where she loved to spend her time. She was recognized by the American Cancer Society, receiving the Courageous Award.

For the last years of her life, Phyllis lived in assisted living homes. She participated in a variety of daily activities, the Word game being her favorite. Each day she spent hours visiting other residents, bringing them happiness and always making life fun. She was known for her comical Halloween costumes. She was kind to all and gracious even in her time of need.

Phyllis’s life was like a quilt made of rich colors and many stitches. She left the world a better place because she took the time to be kind to others, she took the time to pet an animal, she waved to those going by, and she smiled and thanked others for doing for her.