Phyllis Sennert

Phyllis Sennert, age 82, of Alta, Iowa passed away Friday, May 11, 2012 at Sunset Knoll Care & Rehab Center in Aurelia, Iowa. Phyllis Jean Edwards was born February 8, 1930 in Storm Lake, Iowa, the eldest daughter of Lee and Bessye (Wilson) Edwards. She attended grade school in Storm Lake and graduated from Storm Lake High School with the class of 1947. On June 13, 1947, Phyllis was united in marriage to Neal Sennert in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with five children: Pat, Dennis, Susan, Rachel and JoDee. Over the years, Phyllis was active in her church and communities. She served as church secretary at the First Christian Church of Puyallup, Washington and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Linn Grove, and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rembrandt after she and Neal retired to Iowa. She also served on the Linn Grove and Rembrandt Library Boards. Prior to retirement, Phyllis was a member of the Foster Parent Association of Washington State, serving as their president. She and Neal had well over 125 foster kids over the years and she was honored with the Rotary Clubâ€™s Award of the â€œMother of the Yearâ€ in Tacoma, Washington in 1978. Phyllis was an avid reader and loved to sing in the choir. She composed the church newsletters in Linn Grove, and worked as a volunteer teacherâ€™s aide for Home Economics classes in Washington, teaching sewing and cooking to Junior High students. Above all else, Phyllis loved and cherished her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Those left to cherish her memory include husband of almost 65 years, Neal Sennert of Alta, Iowa; her children: Pat (Ray) Konecke of Renton, Washington; Dennis (Billie) Sennert of Woodland, Washington; Susan (Steve) Huber of Aurora, Colorado; Rachel (Jay) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; JoDee (Tim) Anderson of Norfolk, Nebraska; grandchildren: Amy (Brian) Mogridge of North Bend, Washington; Matt Konecke of Seattle, Washington; Chris (Melanie) Sennert of Renton, Washington; Rich (Bridgette) Huber of Rathdrum, Idaho; Heather (Bill) Reed of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Jason (Tara) Pernell of Puyallup, Washington; Josh (Indra) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; Jeremy (Maria) Pernell of Tacoma, Washington; Brian (Meg) Anderson of Geneseo, Illinois; Marcus (Katie) Anderson of West Des Moines, Iowa; great grandchildren: Rylee Sennert and Caden Sennert; Neal Huber, Skyler Huber and Jaidynn Huber; Logan Pernell and Ada Pernell; Nathan Pernell and Amelia Pernell; Devin Pernell, Staley Pernell and Ariana Arch; sister, Bonnie Rimmer of Spokane, Washington; brother, Ron (Muff) Edwards of Yakima, Washington; many nieces and nephews, other extended family and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Billie Trexler, and one brother, Jack Edwards.

Phyllis Sennert

February 8, 1930 - May 11, 2012