Phyllis Esther Pape Holmstrom, 92 of West Union, Iowa passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. Phyllis was born April 16, 1932 to F.W. and Hildegard Pape on a farm Northwest of West Union, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union and attended West Union schools from kindergarten through graduation in 1950.
Phyllis was united in marriage to Donald Holmstrom on May 20, 1951 at Zion Lutheran Church. Born to this union were their children, Darrell, Ann and stillborns, Paul and Marla.
Phyllis worked at First National Bank, Federal Land Bank, and West Union Auction Exchange in West Union and as a bank teller in Paullina, IA and Iowa City, IA. She attained her Associate of Science degree from Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey, IL in 1975 and her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Northern Illinois, DeKalb, IL in 1982. She continued her career as Operations Secretary and Personnel Director for Metropolitan Circuits, Inc., Franklin Park, IL and Administrative Assistant for Clow Corp., Aurora, IL. Upon retirement in 2000, Phyllis returned to West Union where she volunteered at the Fayette County Historical and Genealogical Society, becoming Office Manager in 2010 through 2020. She continued to write articles for the newsletter until 2024. Phyllis had a passion for Fayette County history and genealogy often being able to assist visitors starting with recollections of County residents from her past.
She was honored with the Historic Preservation award at the annual West Union Chamber of Commerce dinner in 2020. She was record-keeper of Pape family genealogy carefully tracking birthdays for her family dating back to her grandfather, Diedrich Pape. She also returned to active participation at ZionLutheran Church, serving as President of Ladies Aid and as President of Church Council in her 80’s! She organized many of her high school class of 1950 annual reunions continuing to the 73rd in 2023. She enjoyed reading and gardening.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Darrell (Kit) Holmstrom; daughter, Ann Holmstrom; granddaughter, Katrina (Steven) Spicer; sister, Vidys Rose; brother, Arlo (Sandy) Pape; sisters-in-law, Arla Pape and Wanita Pape, and Marjorie Holmstrom; and beloved extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband Donald, children, Paul and Marla; parents, F.W. and Hildegard and brothers, Victor, James, Lee, and Harry Pape and sisters, Eileen Lowry and Betty Lou Rose.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Isaiah Stansberry as the officiant.
Burial will follow at West Union City Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.