Pelland, Phyllis June

Phyllis June Pelland, 72, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Mercy, Iowa City, surrounded by her family's love. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 6, 2010, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, with a time for sharing memories. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the service at The Kirkwood Room. Burial will be at a later date in Nashua, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or Mercy Hospital Foundation for cardiac care.

Phyllis was born June 3, 1938, in Nashua, Iowa, the daughter of William and Hattie (Swinton) Dietz. Phyllis attended elementary school in rural Chickasaw County and was a 1956 graduate of Nashua High School. Phyllis was united in marriage to Earl E. Pelland on August 10, 1957, at the First United Methodist Church in Nashua. To this union three children were born.

Phyllis worked as a secretary at Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company and Nashua Community Schools, and she served as the City Clerk in Nashua. Phyllis and Earl owned Pelland Sand and Gravel in Nashua. They later moved to Coralville, where Phyllis worked at the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory for 15 years, retiring in 2000. Following retirement, Phyllis worked part time at Barnes and Noble and was a volunteer with Iowa City Hospice.

Phyllis enjoyed the outdoors, her amateur photography and watching her children and grandchildren grow up. She spent many hours gardening and taking care of her roses. Phyllis enjoyed camping, and with a book and her camera in hand, went fishing and hunting with Earl and their friends. She also spent many hours cooking and baking for family and others. Phyllis also had a special gift of corresponding with extended family and friends. She was a loyal fan of Hawkeye sports and the Hawkeye Marching Band.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Earl; one daughter, Deborah (Michael) Hatzky of North Liberty; two sons, Douglas (Jackie) Pelland of Norway, Iowa, and Darrin (Kathy) Pelland of Iowa City; one sister, Norma (Dick) Davidson of Albany, Mo.; three brothers, Marvin (Darlys) Dietz and Gerald (Mariellen) Dietz, all of Nashua, and James (LaVonne) Dietz of Cedar Falls; and six grandchildren, Chassity (Ryan) Deur, Chelsea Pelland, Brock and Cole Hatzky and Jacob and Joshua Pelland.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents.

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