Phyllis R. Miksch

Atkinson ­— Phyllis Rose Miksch, 85, of Atkinson, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a rosary.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson. Fr. Bernard Starman will officiate.

Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Phyllis was born on Feb. 13, 1938 to Thomas and Rose (Malloy) Welsh in Chambers. After losing her sister Delores to diphtheria when she was six years old, her family moved to the Emmet area and then finally to a ranch southeast of Atkinson. 

Phyllis graduated from Atkinson High School in 1956. She attended and graduated Norfolk Junior College with a teaching degree. She taught many one room country schools in the Stuart area.

Phyllis married Bob Miksch on June 14, 1960 in Emmet. In September of 1969 they adopted their daughter Marsha and September of 1971 they adopted their son Darrell. Before the arrival of Marsha she had to give up her teaching role in order for them to start their family.  It was then she became a rancher's wife full time.  

Through her years she enjoyed gardening, flowers, traveling and baking, especially cookies for the grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Marsha (Tonyz) Thurlow of Atkinson; son Darrel (Sally) of Atkinson; five grandchildren Amanda Schaaf, Tyler Schaaf, Meagan (Mitchell) Dvorak, Emily Miksch and Katie (Nick) Kolar; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob of 62 years, parents, sister Delores Welsh, brother Tom Welsh and a son-in-law Michael Wenner.