Phyllis Mae Eifert

Phyllis Mae Dahnke Eifert was born February 13, 1931, in Hartley, Iowa, to Irvin Fred and Lizzie (Wittrock) Dahnke. 

    Phyllis grew up on a farm near Hartley, Iowa.  She moved with her family to Sutherland, Iowa, where she attended grade school, and later attended and graduated from Hartley High School.  She was very active in oratory and won several 1^st place awards in Declamation contests.  Following graduation, Phyllis attended Buena Vista University where she was active in, and President of the Delta Phi Beta Sorority.  When she received her teaching certificate, she taught for various schools in Iowa including Harris, Sanborn, Spencer, and also Green Isle, Minnesota.

    In 1960, Phyllis married Elferd E. Eifert and they moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Later they moved to Plato, Minnesota, where they purchased an Insurance Agency and Branch Bank.  They operated the businesses together as a team until they both retired.  After Elferd’s death, Phyllis moved back to Hartley, Iowa, to be closer to her mother.

    Phyllis was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley, Iowa.  The church was the center of her life until health issues limited her activities. 

    On September 26, 2017, Phyllis passed away at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 86.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Elferd.

    Left to cherish her memories are her sister, Shirley Swanson and her husband, Gary; nephew, Mark Swanson; niece, Lisa Swanson; sisters-in law: Mary, Marge, Nitz and Charlotte; brother-in-law, Edward; and many relatives and friends.

    Phyllis will be remembered and missed by all other friends and neighbors.

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