Phyllis L. (Bohrns) Powers of Spencer, formerly of Hartley, was born to William and Lillie (Thoms) Bohrns on August 29, 1931 in Calumet. Phyl’s father worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and her family lived in Matlock and Fort Dodge for a time, but the bulk of her childhood was spent in Calumet. She graduated from Calumet High School in 1949.
After high school, Phyl attended business school in Sioux City and worked for several businesses in Sioux City and Cherokee as a bookkeeper. Phyl met Tom Powers of Hartley at a dance at the Liberty Township Hall. After Tom’s service in the Army during the Korean War, Phyl and Tom were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua on December 12, 1954. Two children were born of this marriage: Stacey and Darcy.
After their marriage, Phyl, a “city” girl, joined Tom in farming the Powers family farm south of Hartley. Phyl and Tom retired from farming in 1992, but continued living on the farm until 2017, when they became members of the Highlands community in Spencer.
Phyl bowled with various women’s teams over the years and later she and Tom participated in mixed league bowling. Following their retirement, Phyl and Tom started traveling. They visited Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and China. Phyl and Tom left for China on September 22, 2001, shortly after the airlines had resumed operations following 9/11. She and Tom especially enjoyed their semi-private tour of China with one other intrepid couple after everyone else in the group canceled. Phyl’s other pastimes included watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Twins.
Phyl passed away on June 10, 2023 in Spencer at the age of 91 years, 9 months, and 12 days.
Preceding Phyl in death were her husband, Tom, on July 4, 2022; her parents, Bill and Lillie Bohrns; her brothers: Dale, during World War II, and Ivan (Bud) and his wife Beth; and other family members.
Phyl is survived by her children: Stacey Powers and Darcy Powers-both of Minneapolis; her niece, Pat (Jake) Jacob; and her nephews: George, Richard, and Marc Wallace, and their families.
Phyl’s family would like to thank the staff and her friends at the Highlands, St. Luke, and St. Croix Hospice for their care, kindness, and support.
Private family services will be held for Phyl at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley at a later date.