Phyllis Barbara Embke

Phyllis B. Embke, died peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2020 at the age of 89, at the Neillsville Retirement Community.

Phyllis was born on February 4, 1931, in Gillett (Oconto County) Wisconsin, where she received her early education. Later, she attended high school in Milwaukee. After graduating, Phyllis was employed for six years at Hesco, Inc. in Milwaukee as a bookkeeper.

On June 4, 1955, she married Norbert Embke of Neillsville. Along with her husband she was a volunteer weather observer for the Neillsville area for over 30 years. During this time, she was also employed at the Winnebago Indian School which later became Sunburst Youth Homes. It was here that she discovered the joy of gardening and was known for her dill pickles.

She had many hobbies, coin and stamp collecting, looking for arrowheads in the garden and along the Black River. She was an outdoor person loving hunting, fishing and making maple syrup. She was also a Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. Her favorite past time was sitting on the deck feeding wildlife and listening to the birds sing especially the wrens. She was a very caring and generous person and enjoyed helping her neighbors and those in need. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, Neillsville, and served as a church trustee and assistant treasurer.

She is survived by her three daughters, Susan (Jim) Popple of Eau Claire, Karen Embke of Minnetonka, MN, Linda (Scott) Fox of Greenwood, one grandson, Dylan (Mackenzie) Jolivette of Eau Claire and one great granddaughter, Tenley Taylor Jolivette. Phyllis is also survived by a sister, Delores Nagozruk of TX, a brother, Gene (Mary) Gibson of Hartford, WI a brother-in-law, Walter (Betty) Embke of Marshfield, WI and many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents: her husband and one brother, Jerry Gibson.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday morning prior to the service at the church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Phyllis’s family with funeral arrangements.