Phyllis Grainger

Monday, June 24, 2019 5:29 pm

Phyllis Grainger, 68, formerly of Decorah, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, from complications of Alzheimer’s. Memorial services were at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, with Rev. Jennifer Edinger presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah and also after 10 a.m., at the church Saturday morning. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home handled arrangements. Organist was Paul Bruvold. Hymns were “Abide With Me,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness and “Beautiful Savior.”

Phyllis Eileen Grainger, the daughter of Frank and Jean (Jorgenson) Kadlec, was born July 2, 1950, in Eau Claire, Wis. Phyllis graduated from Seminole High School in 1968 and studied psychology and sociology at Luther College, graduating in 1972. She was married to Robert Grainger May 22, 1976, and together they had three children: twin boys, Daniel and Devin, and a girl, Allison. Phyllis spent her entire career working for the Iowa Department of Human Services in child services.

Phyllis loved being a mother and was incredibly proud of her children. She had a wonderful laugh and found great delight in listening to family and friends. She enjoyed cross-stitching, knitting and tie-quilting. Phyllis taught preschool Sunday school for many years, and was an active member in the church. She was an avid reader, loved spending time in the garden, spoiled her dogs, and adored her granddaughters, Ellie and Libby.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Daniel (Allie) Grainger, Dubuque; Devin (Sarah) Grainger, Cresco; and Allison (Maury) Landt, Strawberry Point; two granddaughters, Eliana “Ellie” and Elisabeth “Libby” Grainger of Cresco; one sister, Anne (Richard) Losee, Riceville; one brother, Paul (Leslie) Kadlec, Decorah; along with many adored nieces, nephews and cousins.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Grainger, in 2010; her parents, Frank Kadlec in 2008 and Jean (Jorgenson) Kadlec in 2018; her father-in-law, Walter Grainger; and her mother-in-law, Edna (Purcell) Grainger.