In Memory of Phyllis Christie

Phyllis Christie, age 98, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at the Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Due to state and federal mandated guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with Rev. Kevin J. Freese officiating. A Public Memorial Service and Visitation may be held at a later date. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Phyllis Dorothy Wilcke was born on June 1, 1921, in Correctionville, Iowa. She was the fifth child of ten children born to Chris and Lydia (Will) Wilcke. Phyllis grew up in the Ida County area where she attended country school and graduated from Ida Grove High School.

On July 1, 1939, Phyllis was united in marriage to Harlan Christie in Battle Creek, Iowa. The couple welcomed a daughter Elleen Kay. The family made their home in the Ida County area and Harlan worked as a farmhand until they could purchase their own farm to commence farming. Phyllis helped out on the farm by walking beans, dressing chickens and milking cows. In later years she worked at the Hartley Memorial Hospital, Willow Dale Nursing Home and Dawn’s Heavenly Creations of Battle Creek.

Phyllis was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. She loved playing cards (especially with Bonnie, Wendell and Jean) and belonged to several bridge and euchre card clubs. Phyllis also belonged to the local women’s club and Medical Auxiliary. She truly loved her town and showed her support by serving on the committees that supported the playground, shelter house and Alumni Park.  Phyllis also enjoyed crocheting, volunteering, and traveling with the Rices.

The greatest joy in her life was spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She relished in playing cards, games and attending their activities. In her recent years, Phyllis called Willow Dale Assisted living home and enjoyed the people and the life there.

Survivors include her daughter Elleen (Irvin) Oberreuter of Danbury, IA; granddaughter Lynn (Dave) Plantz of Rolfe, IA; six grandsons: Chris (Angela) Oberreuter of Adel, IA, Mike (Carrie) Oberreuter of Danbury, IA, Steve (Sherri) Oberreuter of Battle Creek, IA, Mark (Robin) Oberreuter of Bronson, IA, James (Angie) Oberreuter of Danbury, IA and Craig (Brandy) Oberreuter of Ankeny, IA; 18 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren and two step great-great grandchildren; sisters Bonnie Spotts of Battle Creek, IA and Isabel Plagge of Fremont, NE; sister-in-law Jean Wilcke of Battle Creek, IA; many nieces, nephews (who loved her dearly) extended family and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Harlan Christie (1993); two great grandchildren Nicholas Plantz and Tiara Oberreuter; sisters Frances (Archie) Rohwedder and Marie (Alvin) Schultz; brothers Ervin (Mable) Wilcke, Harlan (Leona) Wilcke, Walter (Helen) Wilcke, Floyd (Helen) Wilcke and Wendell Wilcke; brothers-in-law Dan Spotts, Fred Plagge, Eugene Christie, Leonard (Opal) Christie, and Derwood (Marguerite) Christie; and sisters-in-law Donna (Artie) Kuehl and Betty Christie.