Phyllis M. Fisher, 99
Phyllis M. Fisher, 99
Phyllis Fisher passed peacefully at age 99 on January 6, 2021at Prairie Manor skilled nursing home in Chicago Heights, Il.
Phyllis was born in Lenox, Iowa in 1921 to Ethel and Les Copeland and attended Lenox public schools. Her mother taught piano and Phyllis developed a talent for both piano and vocal music. Her family was active in the Presbyterian Church and Phyllis often played the organ at church services.
She attended Grinnell College and then transferred to Drake University to enroll as a music major. It was at Drake that she met her soon to be husband, William Fisher. She was active in music endeavors and was invited to join Lawrence Welk’s emerging music program.
After college she lived for awhile in Chicago and then sang with the USO in Colorado Springs, CO and in June of 1944 wed Bill Fisher. After the War the couple moved to Lenox, where Bill worked with Phyllis’ father at Copeland-Wells produce.
In 1953 Bill and Phyllis bought the Prescott Hatchery in Prescott, IA and operated the chicken hatchery as the family business until retiring in 1994.
Phyllis and Bill raised three children, Cheryl Preusch of Park Forest, Il, Mike of Boulder, CO and Bill of Cupertino, CA. They were all raised as part of the family business where Phyllis was instrumental in teaching her children the value of hard work as well as how to whistle.
Phyllis lived in Lenox until 2018 when she moved into assisted living in Illinois to be near her daughter Cheryl.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl, Mike and Bill, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her children remember her as a devoted mother and love her a bunch!
The family would like to thank Amanda and Sean Masilko, Lynn Preston and Rev. Tim Maxa whose support made it possible for her to stay in her home until she was 97. Bill and Mike would like to recognize Cheryl’s extraordinary efforts as a dedicated companion and caregiver to their mom.
Due to Covid there will be no memorial service at this time. If you would like to remember Phyllis, donations to the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox would be appreciated.
