Phyllis Ann Rihanek

Phyllis Ann Rihanek age 96, passed away at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Phyllis was born in Pender, Nebraska on September 11, 1925 to Verne Tyrrell and Clara Brandt Tyrrell Hanson. Phyllis was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender, NE. Phyllis and Paul were married in Sept of 1945.They farmed outside of Thurston for several years and had their two children, Mervin and Paula.With their move to Elkhorn, Phyllis worked at the Boys Town Campus for two years.They returned to Pender and Phyllis was the church secretary and then the secretary for Pender Public Schools.In 1965, the family moved to Omaha.Phyllis obtained a position as school secretary at Morton Middle School in the Omaha Public School District.She retired in 1989 to provide childcare for her baby granddaughter, Kari. She loved babies and loved to be needed. She willingly helped with childcare for many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Phyllis watched NASCAR with her son, Mervin, as often as she could. She enjoyed watching Nebraska football and every Saturday evening, she sang and danced, faithfully watching Lawrence Welk.She enjoyed gardening and canning. The family had many fun outings on our pontoon boat,fishing at Gavin’s Point.In retirement, Phyllis and Paul purchased a cabin in Tekamah on the Missouri River where they liked to camp and fish. They knew how to throw a great fish fry for family and friends.She enjoyed reading and doing crosswords which kept her mind sharp.She faced more than her share ofillness and injury but did not let it stop her.Her greatest joy was helping family whenever possible. She had a great sense of humor and was making us laugh until the day she passed. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Clara; husband Paul W. Rihanek; son-in-law, Dennis Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Amy Rihanek. She leaves behind her children, Mervin Rihanek and Paula Hopkins; Grandchildren, Greg (Victoria) Rihanek, Kevin (Theresa) Rihanek, Tonia (Dustin Christy) Hopkins, and Kari (Greg) Hoogner; 12 great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Visitation will be held 5-7pm Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Braman Mortuary 72nd Street Chapel Funeral service will be 10am Friday, December 31, 2021 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church 510 N. 93rd Street, Omaha, NE 68114 Graveside service will be 2pm Friday, December 31, 2021 at St. Marks Cemetery 2409 16th Rd, Pender, Nebraska 68047