Phelps, Dorothy Berniece 1924 - 2001

PHELPS, SHEPPARD, LEWIS, HILL, RAUSCH, CHAPMAN, NEIMEYER, SILBERSCHLAG, CHRISTEN, FROEHLE, HESS, BEHREND, JOHNSON, HAMILTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/4/2016 at 09:51:12

Guttenberg Press, Wed., 5 Dec. 2001.

Dorothy B. Phelps, 77, of Guttenberg died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001 at the Guttenberg Care Center, after an extended illness.

Services were conducted by Rev. Penny Hansel at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the United Methodist Church, Guttenberg.

Burial was in Guttenberg City Cemetery with the following pallbearers: Dustin Phelps, Scott Hill, Jason Christen, Jeremy Phelps, Chris Phelps and Jeremy Christen. Honorary bearers were: Ann Becker, Penny Hansel, Brenda Kueter, Kay Radl, Lillian Handke, Mae Jaster and Margaret Mackey.

Visitation was Monday at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home where a Rebekah Lodge service was held.

Dorothy Berniece Phelps began her life's journey on Oct. 27, 1924, and she returned home Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001.

Dorothy was born on a farm outside of Wever to Harry E. and Avis "Lela" (Sheppard) Lewis Sr. She grew up with six brothers and sisters, graduated from Denmark Academy High School, Denmark, and attended the Cedar Falls Teachers College to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught school for one year, then went to the state of Washington to help with the war efforts. While working in the Atomic plant, she met the love of her life. She became Mrs. Lyle Phelps in a candlelight service on May 1, 1946, at the United Protestant Church in Richland, Wash. After World War II was over, Lyle and Dorothy came back to Iowa to make their home. They farmed the Phelp's homestead at Colesburg until 1951 when they moved to Guttenberg, where they have made their home for the past 50 years. To this loving union came three children, Jeanette, Gail and Larry.

Dorothy spent her life helping others, first as a nurse's aid. Then, at age 45, she enrolled at the Northeast Iowa Community College at Calmar, where she graduated from the LPN program. She loved nursing and caring for others, and continued doing special nursing jobs even after her retirement in 1976. Dorothy's life was dedicated to her family, her church, and her nursing.

Dorothy was active in the United Methodist Church, where she served as Administrative Board Secretary and communion Steward for many years. She was a member of the choir, the Monday morning prayer circle, the quilting group, and was treasurer of the United Methodist Women for many years. She taught Sunday School, was a UMW district officer (Financial Interpreter) for the Dubuque district.

Dorothy was active in the community as well. She was a charter member of the Guttenberg Blazerettes (Firemen's Auxiliary), the Hospital Pinochle Club, and the Square Dancing Club. She belonged to the Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Royal Neighbors of America. The Josephine Rebekah Lodge was a large part of her life. She was a member for 53 years, during which time she served in many capacities, including twice as Noble Grand, as well as holding a state-level position.

When Dorothy wasn't busy enjoying her grandchildren, she enjoyed reading, crafts, cooking, gardening, music, playing cards, traveling and camping. She collected angels and recipes. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother, caring friend, gentle nurse, and a beautiful person.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Teena Hill; two brothers, Sherley Lewis and Harry Lewis II.

She is survived by her husband and three children: Jeanette (James Jr.) Hill of Indian Trail, N.C., Gail (Daryl) Rausch of Guttenberg, and Larry Phelps of Monroe, N.C.; ten grandchildren: Tonya (Ronnie) Chapman, Scott Hill, Jennifer (Kelby Behrend) Neimeyer, Cindy (Dan Hess) Silberschlag, Jeremy (Kathy) Phelps, Chris Phelps, Jeremy (Melissa) Christen, Jason (Krista) Christen, Andra Phelps and Dustin Phelps; and ten great-grandchildren: Samantha Froehle, Andy and Alex Niemeyer, Tylor Christen, Brianna Silberschlag, Arik Hess, Danielle Chapman, Bryton Behrend, Brenna Christen, Kayla Christen; two brothers, Roy Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, Dean (Imelda) Lewis od Annawan, Ill., two sisters; Verna Johnson of North Hollywood, Calif., and June (Earl) Hamilton of Atwood, Ill; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lewis of Colona, Ill., and Harriet Lewis of Pueblo, Colo.; her special "sisser", Lillian Handke, and many relatives and friends.