Phyllis Abitz

Phyllis Louise Abitz, 97, Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.

Phyllis was born in the town of Easton on February 13, 1920 to Elizabeth (Kufahl) and Philip Hollinger.  She attended St. John’s Lutheran School and later moved to Chicago, IL as a nanny.  She later moved back to Wausau and worked at several factories.  On May 30, 1947 Phyllis married Wallace J. Abitz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau on the original Memorial Day.  She continued working until she retired from Crestline/SNE. Phyllis returned back to work, part-time, until her early 70s.

Phyllis was an excellent baker and won several awards for her baking talent. She was always being asked to make her famous chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls or Kuchen for her children, grandchildren, and friends.   She has won several 1st place trophies for her bowling.  Phyllis was a lifetime member with the VFW, DAV and the VBOB Women Auxiliary.  Since 1947, she has been a member of Wesley United Methodist church.  Phyllis was an avid card player and playing games with family, grandchildren and friends, as well as going gambling with husband, Wally and daughter, Sherry.  Another one of her favorite pastimes was going fishing.  She was always up for a good laugh, especially stories from her grandchildren.

She has had the opportunity to travel to almost every state in the United States.  At an early age Phyllis met President Woodrow Wilson at Marathon Park. For her 90th birthday, she received several letters from Presidents and state representatives. She enjoyed attending sport events for all of her children and grandchildren.  She was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and later in life enjoyed a good golf tournament on TV.  One thing on her bucket list was going to see Elvis in Madison.

Survivors include three children; Connie (Martin) Yauck-Myers, Charles (Jean) Abitz, and Sherry Abitz (friend William Mehlberg), seven grandchildren; Wade Abitz, Amy (Wade) Abitz- Akey, Andy (Breanna) Abitz, Jennifer (Nic) Yauck-Silvester, Jonathon (Sara) Yauck, Charles Leigh Abitz II, and Heather (Josh) Abitz-Baranowski, ten great grandchildren; Lillian, Nicholas and William Silvester, Aidan Abitz, Tyler and Addison Yauck, Eli and Mabel Akey, and Natalie and Mackenzie Baranowski; three step great grandchildren; Landon, Nya, Tyrus and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.   Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Elizabeth and Philip Hollinger, husband, Wallace, son, Wesley, sisters, Esther Hollinger and Eva Meilahn, and son-in-law Steven Yauck.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau.  Chaplain Jeff Martinson will officiate.  Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be Tuesday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

The family would like to thank Dr. Herbert Macalalad and the staff at Aspirus Hospital, Aspirus Hospice and Rennes for the care and kindness they gave Mom and to our family.