Phyllis Jean Nielsen

1937 - 2023

Phyllis Jean Nielsen
December 1, 1937 - January 19, 2023
Fowler, California - Phyllis Jean Warkentin was born December 1, 1937 to Phillip Warkentin and Edna Lumberg. She attended schools in Selma, California, graduating from Selma High School in 1955. Phyllis was a natural educator, playing "school teacher" as a child, and serving for 38 years in Fresno schools in the classroom and staff development.
Phyllis also dedicated her life to education in Presbyterian churches in Fresno, Easton, and Fowler. She taught, led Vacation Bible Schools, and oversaw many programs for children. As a life-long learner, she also was a part of many Bible studies and conferences.
As a high school freshman, she saw a scrappy farm boy named Don Nielsen get on the bus. They soon fell in love, and after high school and Don's Navy service, they married in August of 1959. For 60 years they were true life partners, raising their sons, leading in the church, traveling, and embracing life together.
Phyllis' favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. She clung to this verse through many challenging times, including her diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. On January 19, 2023 Phyllis passed away after some challenging and debilitating years preceded by 80 years of joyful living.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Nielsen. Her brother Roy Warkentin, her father and step-mother Phillip and Merle Warkentin, her birth mother Edna Lumberg, her granddaughter Teresa Moore, and other extended family. She is survived by her sons, Eric Nielsen and Scott Nielsen and their families, her brother Richard Warkentin and his family, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.