Phyllis Nordyke
November 25, 1938 - November 18, 2025
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Phyllis Marie Nordyke, age 86, died peacefully Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Complete Care SSM in Madison, Wis. She bravely endured Type 2 Diabetes and end-stage Renal Disease with remarkable resilience, undergoing hemodialysis treatment for numerous years.
Phyllis was born on November 25, 1938, in Brodhead, Wis., the daughter of Beatrice Emily (Pinnow) Coplien and Earl Melvin Coplien. She grew up on the family farmstead in Juda (Oakley), Wis., with her sister (Dorothy June) and five brothers (Gene Earl, Rolland Duane, Earl Truman, Richard Allen and Kurt Stanley). She graduated from Juda High School in 1957. At age 19, Phyllis married Alvin F. Kraus. Their 12-year marriage blessed them with two daughters, Debra Lynn and Barbara Ann. In 1976, she wed Thomas E. Nordyke and the two shared 49 years of marriage before she passed away. The couple lived in Oshkosh, Wis., for three years before settling in Middleton, Wis., their current home.
During her high school years, Phyllis worked in a cheese factory in Monroe, Wis. Later she worked as a computer operator for a Madison telephone company. She had a great sense of humor, and her co-workers nicknamed her “Phyllis Diller.” Phyllis was an avid gardener growing cucumbers, tomatoes, and especially her beloved roses and orchids. Later in life, she learned to play both bridge and golf, and even proudly celebrated a hole-in-one. Phyllis loved to read and instilled that passion in both her daughters.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas; her daughters, Debra (Robin Eric) Zentner and Barb (Don) Stenger; granddaughters, Sara Zentner and Michelle Malsack; sister, Dorothy (Alvin) Wire; brother, Kurt (Jane) Coplien; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Rolland) Coplien and Carol (Richard) Coplien; numerous nieces and nephews within the Coplien family; nieces, Julie Joint and Karin (Shawn) Mingus; and nephew, Jeff Nordyke.
A private celebration of life is being held with the immediate family. The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and Complete Care SSM for their wonderful care of Phyllis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761