COTTAGE GROVE - Phyllis Jean Rodefeld, age 82, of Necedah, formerly of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at her home. She was born on Sept. 28, 1940, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Reno Gehrke and Pauline (Graft) Gehrke.

Phyllis graduated from Monona Grove High School. She married Charles Rodefeld on April 9, 1960. Prior to retirement, Phyllis worked as a quality inspector for the Goodyear Tire Company, and UW Madison as a baker and decorator. In addition, she was a member of the Moose Club, and the Shriners, belonging to the group, Daughters of the Nile.

In her free time, Phyllis enjoyed square dancing, camping, snowmobiling, motorcycling, traveling and playing euchre with Charles, as well as spending time with her faithful four-legged companion, Charmaine. She enjoyed upholstering, doing laundry, and baking, including cake decorating. Most of all, she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren, sometimes caring for 10 of them at the same time.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Christine (Douglas) Horstmeyer, Cynthia (James) Armour and Charlene (Brett) Sime; and her son, Troy Rodefeld; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond Gehrke, Reno Gehrke, Doug Gehrke and Frank Gehrke; sisters, Anna Mae Rowin and Polly R. Stout; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Roger Rodefeld; brothers, Leroy Gehrke, Lowell Gehrke, Paul Gehrke, Kenneth Gehrke, Herman Gehrke and James Gehrke; and twin brother, Phillip Gehrke, who passed away a few hours after birth; sisters, Hilda Learned, Carol Gaberell, Hazel Learned and Ella Powell; brother-in-law, Donald (Dorothy) Rodefeld; and parents-in-law, Hank and Hannah Rodefeld.

A funeral service will be held at Hope Lutheran CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. A luncheon will follow at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis's name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin. Special thanks to Sandy Boulware and Troy Rodefeld for their loving care of Phyllis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive

Phyllis Jean Rodefeld

September 28, 1940 - September 24, 2023

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