Phyllis A. Gerhardt

Phyllis Ann Gerhardt (Pelky) eighty-eight of Traverse City passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Munson Medical Center. Phyllis was a native to Traverse City, born on July 30,1926 to the late Donald J. Pelky and Grace A. Hilbert. Phyllis graduated from Central High School in 1944.

She married her loving husband of sixty-three years, Leonard Gerhardt, in Traverse City on November 10,1951. In 1958, Phyllis and Leonard with three daughters in tow, moved to the Pacific Island of Guam, where Leonard served in the United States Coast Guard. While on Guam, Phyllis's love of children shined through, as she became a Child Care Supervisor at the Naval Base. After several moves mirroring her husband's military posts throughout the United States, Phyllis returned to Traverse City. Furthering her community ties, Phyllis was a Real Estate Broker for fifteen years. As an active volunteer Phyllis served as a board member of the Cherryland Humane Society for eleven years. Phyllis also volunteered for the National Cherry Festival, serving several positions spanning decades of service.

For Phyllis there was never any 'down-time' but 'spare time' carved out of a very active life. Phyllis was an avid reader and appreciated the beauty of flowers, especially orchids, which were her passion. She also enjoyed knitting baby blankets, bonnets, sweaters, and booties for grandchildren. She had a love for all animals, big (horses) or small (Yorky Poos, Millie and Emma).

Phyllis was a wonderful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She will be missed by her loving family who take great pride knowing through her effusive spirit, she touched so many lives over her 88 years. Surviving Phyllis are her husband, Leonard. Children: Grace A. Callahan (Michael) and Nancy G. Follett (Jack). Grandchildren: Jackie Rindlisbacher, Lisa Pfeiffenberger, Jamie Callahan, and Jennifer Callahan-Smith. Great grandchildren: Ashley, Ariel, Jacob, Jessica, Alexis, Jack, Colin, Kaylee, and Jared. Great-great grandchildren: Raymond and Molly. Preceded in death are her parents, two sisters, Donna Richard and Alma VerSnyder, and a daughter Suzanne L. Gerhardt.

The funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon immediately following in the parish center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Cherryland Humane Society. Friends may sign the guestbook at: www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family gives special thanks to the entire Birchwood Nursing Home staff, with special appreciation to the Therapy Care department and caregivers Sharon, Cheryl, Loren.

We will always carry her memory in our hearts and celebrate her long, energetic life filled with loving family, great friends and furry companions.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.