Phyllis A. Stevenson

Phyllis Stevenson was called into the arms of her waiting Lord on Friday afternoon, May 1, 2009, surrounded by her daughters and her pastor. Phyllis was 85. She was born in Appleton on May 30, 1923, daughter of the late Emerson and Esther (Winter) Turney. She was a graduate of Appleton High School, and married John R. Stevenson in 1941. The couple spent forty devoted years together until John's death in 1981. Following high school, Phyllis worked for a year in Washington, D.C. for the Civil Service Administration. In 1943, she enlisted in the United States Navy and went to boot camp at the University of Indiana – Bloomington. She then attended Storekeeper School at Hunter College in New York City. After training, Phyllis served her country as a member of the WAVES, stationed at Algiers Naval Base, across the Mississippi River from her beloved New Orleans. Phyllis often commented that she had taken the ferry across the river so many times to reach the French Quarter, that she was perhaps eligible for sea duty pay. She was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of Storekeeper 1st Class. Phyllis was also a longtime member of the WAVES Fox Cities Unit #153, where she currently held the offices of treasurer and chaplain.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Phyllis worked in the Human Resource Department for H.C. Prange Company, as a CNA for Appleton Extended Care, and as a volunteer bookkeeper for many of the organizations and agencies she was involved with. Phyllis was also a partner and bookkeeper for Renaissance Hair Design for eighteen years.

Phyllis was an active and accomplished woman. In junior high and high school she played the violin and more recently was a member Lawrence Academy of Music's New Horizons Orchestra. In her younger years, Phyllis also contributed her considerable talents as an alto in Chaminade Women's Chorus, and later in the choirs of First Baptist Church and Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she also served as the church music librarian and volunteered in the office. She was proud to have sung in the operetta H.M.S. Pinafore at the University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley and was a patron of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Phyllis was a champion for the care and education of the developmentally challenged. She was instrumental in the development of and served as either an officer or board member for the Association of Retarded Citizens (The Arc), New Hope Nursery, Plamann School, Sheltered Activity Center, and Agape Homes.

Phyllis and John were blessed with five loving children who now begin a new journey. Their children are Lucia Rae Stevenson, Janie Stevenson (Tim Nichols), Paula (Roy) Hoglund, Francie (Mike) Kopecky, and John Stevenson, all of Appleton; five grandchildren: Justin Gartner, Tara Stevenson, Shana Israelstam Kellum, Kelly (Tim Turton) Hoglund, and Jana Hoglund; three great-grandchildren: Gage, Tova, and Simon Kellum; a brother: Gene (Kate) Turney of Magnolia, Delaware; a sister-in-law: Margaret Hardacker of Appleton. She also left behind many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, a sister Joan (Victor) Alessi, and brothers-in-law Elwood (Ann) Stevenson, Marvin (Florence) Stevenson, Harry Stevenson, and Keith Hardacker.

Funeral services for Phyllis will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 803 E. College Avenue in Appleton with Rev. Dr. Charles Valenti-Hein officiating. Interment with complete military honors will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service. The family has suggested that memorials be directed to Memorial Presbyterian Church or Lutheran Social Services.

Phyllis will be fondly remembered by all as a loving and generous woman who was willing to accept any challenge presented to her, and work tirelessly toward its end. She was a loving wife and mother, and will be missed by her family, and all who knew and loved her.

Lucia, Janie, Paula, Francie, and John would like to extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted Phyllis in any way at all on Friday, especially Dr. Cyril Walsh, the staff in the Emergency Department at Appleton Medical Center, and Pastor Chuck. Your kindness and compassion will forever be treasured by our grateful family.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920 739-1231