Obituary: Phyllis (Bowes) Mekkelson

Phyllis Mekkelson, age 91 of Baraboo, passed away on Oct. 20, 2005 at the St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo. Phyllis was born on Feb. 19, 1914 in Madison, the daughter of Ruben and Anna (Moe) Bowes. She was a graduate of Central High School in Madison and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, completing a course in medical laboratory technology. On Oct. 10, 1937, she was united in marriage to Wayne Mekkelson in Madison. Phyllis was a medical technician for over 30 years working at St. Mary's Ringling Hospital and later at St. Clare Hospital. During these years, she served many in the community and had a positive impact on their lives. After retirement, Phyllis continued to contribute to the community through her volunteer activities which included Circus World Museum for over 18 years, food pantry, meals on wheels, library book program, and volunteering at the election polls. She was an outdoor enthusiast who loved all aspects of nature which included fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Mekkelson of Baraboo; son, Peter (Sue) Mekkelson of Sierrra Vista, Ariz.; daughter, Andrea (Bruce) Hanson of La Crosse; grandchildren, Paul (Karen) Mekkelson of Las Cruces, N.M., Scott (Stephanie) Mekkelson of Middletown, Md., Jeffrey( Jolene) Neis of DeForest, Heidi (Chris) Colbert of West Salem, Tammi (Steve) Hofford of Cincinnati, Ohio; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Kruse of Cornelius, Ore.; niece, Claudia (Ken) Weber of Portland, Ore.; nephew, Steve (Kathy) Kruse of Gaston, Ore.; and other relatives and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Anna Bowes.A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Baraboo, on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 at 1 p.m. Pastor Wendy Boden will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo or the Sauk County Humane Society. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Originally published in the Baraboo (Wisconsin) News Republic on October 21, 2005