Phyllis Elizabeth Zuberbier Nelson

Phyllis Elizabeth Nelson, age 92, passed away March 28th, 2023, peacefully at Primrose Retirement Community in Appleton, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born April 3, 1930, in Auroraville, Wisconsin. 

Phyl met Gary Nelson of Waupaca, the love of her life when she was 16.  They were married June 10, 1950, in Weyauwega, WI at St. Peter’s Lutheran church.  They were together for over 60 years until Gary’s passing in 2009.  Together they spent many years in Wild Rose when Gary and his father owned the Nelson Nash Rambler Sales dealership and garage.  While living in Wild Rose Phyllis worked as a bookkeeper for the Jenks Gas Co. and was a faithful member and Sunday School teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  The family moved to New London in 1962 where they lived for over 50 wonderful years.  Phyl worked for the New London Press until taking a role with the New London school district as a Reading Specialist Aide and with the Title One program for the New London School District. 

When they retired, they built their dream home on Bean City Road in New London.  They then became snowbirds, heading to Golden Vista in Apache Junction, AZ.  Phyl enjoyed over 25 years of fun, sun, and friends.  Additionally, they had many trips, cruises and just plain fun.  While at Golden Vista she was involved in various committees, the comedy club, golf, Christian Women, Red Hats, Bible Study, and volunteering within the Apache Junction Schools.  She had her best golf game, 57, at age 87 right before she moved full time back to Wisconsin.

She sold their New London home in 2015 and moved to Ridgeview Highlands in Appleton. It was another opportunity to make more friends and play new card games. She also reconnected with childhood friends who had previously moved in.  1 1/2 years ago she moved for the final time to Primrose Retirement Community.  It was the perfect home for her. She loved it there and they all loved her. 

She will be greatly missed by her large and loving family.  She was a great storyteller and poet. Her smile will be remembered by her many, many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 930 E Florida Ave, Appleton on April 1, 2023. Friends and family may gather at the church from 12:00pm until the start of the service.

Phyl is survived by her Children: Sharon (Alan), Sandy (Bill), Rick (Holly), Randy (Sandy), and Rob (Dana); Grandchildren: Kristin (Francisco), Adam (Jen), Erin (Ben), Katrina (Jason), Nick (Andrea), Lana, Jeremy (Jordan), Nina (Ethan), Jill (Breck), Jamie (Brandon), and Joseph (special friend Caitlin); Great Grandchildren: Jarel, Julian, Margot, Jayvion, Marcus, Geneva, Thomas, Louis, Leshia (Josh), Terrell, Latasha, Lexis, Natalia, Reid, Addy, Jack, Braxton, and Ella; Great Great Grandchildren:  Liam and Aaliyah; Her Sister Delores Volkman and Sisters-In-Law:  Vera Zuberbier, Janet Nelson, and Mary Ann Hagaman.

She is preceded in Death by her Loving husband: Gary; Parents: Hans & Minna Zuberbier; Sister: Lorraine Clifton; Brother: Orville Zuberbier; Brothers-in-Law: Alvin Clifton, Carl Volkman, John Hagaman, and Dick Nelson; and Great Grandson: Tyler Neumann.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caretakers at the Primrose Retirement Communities.  You know who you are! Every touch was with love and respect.  Additionally, we want to recognize the special care she received from her loving caretakers at Moments Hospice. Her quality of life was greatly improved because of these wonderful women. Thank you so much for your friendship and kindness.

In light of Phyl's passion for education, reading and the church, the family requests no floral memorials be sent; in lieu of that, please consider a donation to Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, 930 E Florida Ave, Appleton. These gifts will allow Phyl's legacy to extend further.  Thank you for your understanding and for your generosity.