Phyllis Barckholtz
Phyllis Barckholtz, 86, of St. James City, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral. She was born Nov. 6, 1924, to James and Norma (Mayer) Stapleton, now deceased, in St. Charles, Michigan, where she graduated from high school as valedictorian and met Darwin A. (Andy) Barckholtz. The two were married Dec. 10, 1942 an lived a wonderful life together.
When Andy left to serve in World War II, Phyl worked at Saginaw Steering Gear on Hamilton, where she met life-long friend, Lousie Schroeder. Later, in addition to raising her boys, Phyl worked as an office manager for several local medical offices, including William McEwan, MD and David Eagle, DDS. An active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Phyllis felt blessed to live so close by in her beloved house on Adams Avenue. Upon retirement, Andy and Phyl moved to Florida’s Pine Island, where they spent most of the year enjoying friends, the abundant fruit trees in their yard, traveling, walking, fishing, tandem bicycling and church activities at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church. They returned to Saginaw each summer for nearly 35 years to visit family and friends, all whom remember Phyl for her hearty laugh, warmth and signature color, lavender.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Andy; two sons; Terry (Melinda) Barckholtz of Hemlock and Randy (Joy) Barckholtz of Friendswood, Tx; sister, Lois Cleworth of San Luis Obispo, Ca; brother, James (Imogene) Stapleton of Ellsworth, Mi; grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Osborn of Portage, Mi, Jason (Deanne) Barckholtz of Bozeman, Mt, Jennifer Barckholtz of Orlando, Lindsay Barckholtz of Friendswood, Tx, Claire and Clay Barckholtz of Hemlock; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Christian, Andrew, Lauren and Jake; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor William Weis officiating.
The family would like to thank some very special people in Florida for their support and care; Pastor Roger and Cheryl Lemke, neighbors Eva and Jim Reidlinger and Gulf Coast Villages’s Dan Mosena.
Those planning an expressions of sympathy are asked to consider the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center in Fort Myers, Fla, 10051 McGreagor Boulevard, Suite 101, Fort Myers, Fla 33919.