Obituary for Phyllis L. Lehrke - Johnson Funeral HomeJohnson Funeral Home
Phyllis L. Lehrke
( May 29, 1928 - January 28, 2021 )
Phyllis L. Lehrke, age 92, of Waconia
passed away on Thursday, January 28,
2021 in Waconia.
Graveside service will take place on
Tuesday February 2, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.
at Pioneer Cemetery (8151 Galpin
Blvd.) in Chanhassen with Rev. Mark
Tewes officiating.
Phyllis L. Umland was born May 29, 1928 in Bertha, the daughter of
William and Esther (Schultz) Umland. Phyllis was baptized and
confirmed in Bertha, where she grew up, on the family farm. Later, she
graduated from Bertha High School. Phyllis received her degree in music
and what was then called Home Economics at Concordia College in
Moorhead. On January 21, 1961 Phyllis was united in marriage to Elmer
Lehrke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. This union of 58
years was blessed with a son.
As a young girl she did not expect to be able to attend college. After 10
years of perfect attendance at school, the president of the hometown bank
was so impressed that he offered to help pay for her college. Thus, began
a lifelong love of education. Her passion served her in many areas. For
44+ years, Phyllis worked at various schools serving as a director of
choral groups and teaching Home Economics. Phyllis thought the term
homemakers was unappealing to students and worked to rename the
youth program (both locally and on a national level) “Future
Homemakers of America” to “Future Leaders of America.” By
Achieving this, local enrollment jumped from 8 to 30 students (including
boys) the next year. Phyllis also had a great interest in speech
competitions, specializing in parliamentary procedures. She taught,
tutored, and judged many youth teams. She was responsible for many
students winning national championships. She was a member of the
National Association of Parliamentarians. Phyllis spent many years
pouring her love into her students and schools. Her dedication and
reputation led to her induction into the Waconia High School Hall of
Fame, in 2008.
In addition to education. Phyllis adored music and it encompassed a large
part of her life. Her love of music paired well with her faith and
servanthood. Phyllis was a talented musician. She served as organist and
director of choral groups at multiple churches.
Phyllis loved life. She cherished her church and family and gave
something of herself to all who knew her. She was always learning,
always guiding, always giving. She felt virtuous example was the
greatest form of teaching. She said “It is important to look around the
corner as well as the classroom for those students who are quietly saying,
‘Please notice me’” and believed “Education was an investment that no
one can take away from you”. Phyllis left a lasting legacy that will
continue to guide and carry on in all who knew her.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; parents William and
Esther Umland; brother William (Christy) Umland.
Phyllis is survived by her loving family: son and daughter-in-law Joel and
Heidi Lehrke of Chanhassen; grandchildren Nate (Bianca) Lehrke of
Landstuhl, Germany, Natalie Lehrke of Chanhassen; nieces and nephews
Duane (Arlene) Narr, Corrine Allen, Donald (Nancy) Narr, David Narr,
Cheryl (David Gutzmann) Klemp, Judy (Bruce) Pease, John (Janet)
Umland, Julie (Norman) Krause, Peter (Elana) Umland, Mark (Shelly)
Umland; many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to:
https://www.givemn.org/organization/School-District-110-Foundation
Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia.
www.johnsonfh.com