Phyllis Schuler

Phyllis Schuler, 96, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026, at her home of 73 years.

Phyllis Ilene was born on July 26, 1929, at home, west of Grant, Iowa, the daughter of Merrill Arthur and Minnie Estella (Curry) Foote. As a kid she thoroughly enjoyed life on the farm and had a pony ‘Sandy’ which she loved with all her heart. After graduating from Foote Country School, she attended high school in Grant, where she excelled at playing basketball. When Grant High School closed, she had to transfer to Griswold for her final two years. She started out playing basketball but encountered girls who weren’t enamored with a new girl coming onto the team who played better than they did. They didn’t make it much fun so, after one year, her basketball days came to an end. Following graduation from Griswold High School in the Class of 1948, she went to Commercial Extension in Omaha, then worked at the calendar factory in Red Oak, and later ran the grocery store at the Lyman Locker.

On September 23, 1951, she was united in marriage to Clair ‘Junior’ Schuler. To this union five children were born: Diane, Vicki, Pam, Greg, and Jeff. The family tended to a large garden, and Phyllis taught all her children how to cook, taught her daughters how to sew and refinish furniture, and all the kids got their turn at gathering eggs and helping to dress chickens. The entire family helped bale hay. And there were many memorable evenings where the entire family ‘walked’ beans, played Annie-Annie Over and Red Rover. The couple was very proud to have been able to build a second home in 2005 and looked forward to wintering in Cape Coral, Florida.

Phyllis was an active member of the Noble Center United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and serving as President and a District Officer for the United Methodist Women. She also volunteered her time sitting on the board for the American Cancer Society, as Treasurer of the Republican Women, served as a precinct elections official, was an assistant 4-H leader, and was a resident advocate at Heritage House. Her volunteer work was very important to her and she remained dedicated to those organizations through the years. Phyllis was a member of the Cass County Pork Producers, Cowbelles, TOPS, Double N Club, the Bear Grove Priscilla Club, and was in bowling leagues for over 35 years, frequently going to state tournaments.

She had a large collection of Precious Moments which she displayed throughout her home. Phyllis never turned down a chance to play cards and Rummy Tile. Her huge mischievous grin when she took her 'favorite' son-in-law's trick when playing Wizard is unforgettable. She looked forward to traveling and visited all but six states. Phyllis took many trips with the Cowbelles, visited San Francisco Bay with her sisters, Thelma and Beatrice, and there were several family road trips through the western United States. One of her favorite ways to spend an afternoon was riding through the countryside, and she almost never let us pass up a McDonalds so she could have a Carmel Frappe.

Phyllis often said her biggest accomplishment was to have raised a good family and that she was blessed to have so many good friends through the years. Phyllis’ will be remembered by her family and friends as having a huge heart, loving to laugh, and always quick to forgive. Her giving and caring spirit will never be forgotten.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Diane Mays, Vicki (Jim) Nordskog, Greg (Deb) Schuler and Jeff (Kris) Schuler, all of Atlantic’ grandchildren, Nate (Megan Sramek) Schuler of Atlantic, Nick (Jan) Schuler of Atlantic, Elisha Spellman of Omaha and Ashley (Rondale Thomas) Mays of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Gavyn Mitchell, Elijah Mitchell, Phyllise Mitchell, Quinn Johnson, Rondale Thomas, Daleron Thomas, Carter Thomas and Clara Schuler; great-great-granddaughter, Yalle Mitchell Johnson; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Foote and Sharon Roberts; and numerous extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merrill and Estella Foote; husband, Clair Schuler, Jr.; daughter, Pam Schuler; siblings and their spouses, Thelma (Lloyd) Taylor, Beatrice (Ross) Adams, Lawrence (Billie Ann) Foote and Edwin Foote; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Roberts.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will be at a later date in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic Lions Club and the Atlantic Elk Lodge #445.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Phyllis' family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.