Phyllis LaDuke, 97

Phyllis LaDuke

Blue Earth Phyllis LaDuke, age 97, passed away peacefully with her loving family around her at St. Luke’s Care Center in Blue Earth, on Dec. 31, 2017. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth, Rev. Russ Jacobsen presided. Visitation was one hour prior to services at the church. Burial took place immediately following the service at Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com

Phyllis was born to Frank and Alvina (Thompson) Klump on Oct. 29, 1920 in Faribault County. She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1938 as salutatorian of her class and she was very involved in music as a cellist and majorette in school. Phyllis married John LaDuke on July 3, 1938. She was a talented organist and pianist, giving piano lessons for over 25 years.

Phyllis was very busy over the years raising her nine children, but always managed to participate in community activities, as well as, assist her husband in his business ventures. She and John were members of the Masons and Eastern Star, of which, she was Worthy Matron. Phyllis shared her musical talent as church organist for over 50 years at the Methodist Church in Blue Earth. She loved being involved in her Extension group, Church Circle, Garden Club, the Volunteer Masterpiece Art Program in the school and teaching English as a Second Language through the Senior Volunteer Program.

In 2006, Phyllis was chosen as the Mitchell Chautauqua Woman of the Year. One of her many attributes was her unconditional love for her family. The most important thing in her life was her family. She was always there for them, supporting and encouraging them in their many endeavors as a Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, Sunday School teacher and initiated Jobs Daughter Program in Blue Earth.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Klopp; brother, Robert Klump; husband, John and daughter, Donna Jordahl.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Carol (Jim) Bromeland, of Winona, Jack (Fiona) LaDuke, of Prescott, Arizona, Ruthanne, of St. Cloud, Nancy (Alan) Thompson, of Blue Earth, Mary (David) Fair, of Whitney, Texas, Laura LaDuke, of St. Cloud, Thomas (Jillian) LaDuke, of Owatonna, and Joseph (Merle) LaDuke, of Los Angeles, California; son-in-law, Florin Jordahl of Blue Earth; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.