Phyllis J. Faulkner

PLYMOUTH – Phyllis J. Faulkner, 90, passed to her eternal home March 2, 2016, surrounded by family. She was born Aug. 4, 1925, to Willa Watson and Harry E. Lemler. She became engaged to “the love of her life” D. Keith Faulkner in 1949 and they were married May 6, 1950. She was raised in Bourbon and graduated from Bourbon High School in 1943. The next year during World War II, she joined the U.S. Nurse Cadet Corps. In 1947 she graduated from Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago and became a registered nurse. She worked at Presbyterian in pediatrics for several years, where at one point, she was photographed holding one of the smallest premature infants to survive at that time. After marriage, she worked as the office nurse for former Gov. Otis R. Bowen, M.D. All three of her daughters were “Bowen babies.” Her life was centered around her growing family and their many interests, including boating and spending summers at the Lake of the Woods. As her family matured, she started working as a teacher’s aide at Bourbon Grade School and then became the school nurse for Triton, a position she held until 1975. They moved to Plymouth in 1982. In 1987, their lives took a different turn when her husband Keith received a life-saving heart transplant. She assumed responsibility for much of his care, including managing his stringent medical regime and special dietary requirements. Her diligence contributed to his life being extended by nearly 11 years. During that time, they travelled and enjoyed being with family and friends. She was widowed in 1998. Her greatest joy was time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, she was a champion for those in need. Her daughters remember her inviting near-strangers to Thanksgiving dinner because they had nowhere to go. She volunteered at the library, hospital and many nursing homes until after she turned 90 and was no longer able to do so. Her time spent with those who were ill or in nursing homes was her ministry. Her cheery visits brightened the room wherever she went. She is most remembered for never forgetting those who needed a kind word or comforting hand. She was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Plymouth. She is survived by her brother, Jack E. Lemler; three beloved daughters: Barbara (and spouse Steve) Acker, Nancy (and spouse Ken) Wiersum and Jayne (and spouse Jeff) Fuller, four grandchildren: Jason (and spouse Sara) Fuller, Jordan (and spouse Cindy) Fuller, Ben Wiersum and Kathryn Wiersum; five great-grandchildren: Corin Nyce, Paige Fuller, Ashlynn Fuller, Aaron Fuller and Brady Fuller; and several nieces, grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, D. Keith Faulkner, parents, and sister Jane. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Calvary Lutheran Church, Plymouth, with the Rev. Eric Ahlemeyer officiating. Calling will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the church. The Van Gilder Funeral Home is caring for the Faulkner family and wishes to express its deepest heartfelt condolences. ***** Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or Crossroad Child and Family Services.