Phyllis Morken

Phyllis C. Morken, age 98, of Winona, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019, at Callista Court, surrounded by her family.

Phyllis was born on December 1, 1920, in St. Paul, MN to Ernest and Martha (Lueck) Guy.  Phyllis graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School in 1938, and received her teaching and Masters degrees from Winona State University.  She taught in rural schools for the Elgin, MN school district, and later with the Cochrane-Fountain City School District as a reading specialist, retiring in 1983.

She married Delmore Zirzow in 1945, and they later divorced.  In 1988, she married Selmer “Sam” Morken, and he preceded her in death on September 20, 2012.

Phyllis had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Winona, where she was active with the quilters and participated in Bible study.  She was also an avid maker and collector of dolls, and as a member of the W.I.M. Heirloom Doll Club, she enjoyed attending doll conventions throughout the United States.

Phyllis is survived by her grandchildren: Courtney (Scott) Willinger and Christopher (Kate) Zirzow; great-grandchildren: Lauren and Mason Willinger; brother: Arthur (Nancy) Guy; as well as other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her sons: David and Thomas Zirzow, and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Monday, August 19, 2019, at Central Lutheran Church in Winona.  Pastor Louise Stromberg will officiate.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Phyllis’ family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.