Phyllis A. Seitz

Phyllis A. Seitz, age 90, of Kenosha, passed away at her home on Friday, May 19, 2017.

She was the first-born daughter of Earl O. and Genevieve (McCallen) Smith.  Born and raised in Waukesha, she attended schools there until junior high school, when her and her family moved to Fort Atkinson, where she was a 1944 graduate of Fort Atkinson High School.  She also attended Downer College for two years in Milwaukee.

On February 3, 1949, Phyllis was united in marriage to Florian Seitz in Fort Atkinson at the First Methodist Church.

For over 25 years, she was employed with Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company.

Phyllis’ life was characterized by her smiles.  She never hesitated to bless anyone who may be having a bad day with one, and the smile could melt a glacier.  Her activity achievements included Rainbow Girls and continued into the Eastern Star in Fort Atkinson, as well as, Kenosha.  She was a cheerleader for the Fort Atkinson High School Cardinals.  At times, after the track team practiced, the boys would stop and watch in amazement as she ran and did the hurdles.  Girls didn’t do that in the 1940’s, but her activities didn’t stop there.  Phyllis was on the school bowling team and became a very accomplished adult bowler.  She became involved with the Girl Scouts and was a summer camp counselor for them.  Tennis was another sport she played for many years as a member of state league teams.  In 1992, she went to the Senior Olympics and played mixed doubles with her husband.

She loved to read with special emphasis on mystery and King Arthur era stories.  Bridge was another favorite activity.  She spent much of her spare time in volunteer efforts as a Lioness and Lion Club member over a 40-year period, as well as, fitting in hospital volunteer time.  Add on her support of watching and cheering on her sons and grandchildren in their competitive activities.  Her double, triple layer chocolate cakes with chocolate frosting became a birthday tradition for all family members.  Birds were a special liking for her and she saw to it that they were well fed for years and years.  Phyllis was a world champion HUGGER, being sure to greet and leave everyone with a hearty hug and then repeating the effort to be sure she did not miss anyone.  If anyone she knew was in medical care, she was bound to make a visit to see what she could do to help the person involved and it never stopped with one visit.

Phyllis loved to travel and did with trips to England, Germany, took Caribbean cruises and train trips and was a long-time Florida snowbird.  When her husband had to make a business trip to San Francisco, she had her suitcase packed to go with him before he did.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Florian; their son, Blake (Janis) Seitz; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Hurley, Ross (Taryn), Lauren (Josh) Eikren, Kelly and Chad Seitz; as well as, 6 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her son, Todd and a sister, Janet (Robert) Guntzburger.

The family would like to extend a sincere and special thank you to Hospice Alliance for the loving care given to Phyllis while under their care.