Phyllis Maxine Duke Winter

1925 - 2021

Phyllis Maxine Duke Winter

October 11, 1925 - June 15, 2021

Phyllis Winter's walk on this earth was one of survival, perseverance, and accomplishment. Phyllis' journey ended on June 15, 2021. She was born on October 11, 1925, on a farm in Shelby County, IA, during a severe snowstorm. The doctor could not get to the birth in time and it was a difficult delivery. Her folks could not decide on a name for the babe, until at nine months of age, they were encouraged by the parson to select one as the infant was deathly ill and couldn't go to the grave nameless. The compromised name of Phyllis Maxine Duke was selected. Phyllis survived.

Raised during the Great Depression by a mother who hailed from a proper Norwegian family and a wild Irishman, the family struggled to survive on garden fare and game caught by father, Hoyt. Relatives thought the entire family might perish during the hot summers in their makeshift home in an abandoned boxcar. As can be imagined, conflict between the families, and the parents, was common and the young Phyllis took herself to Sunday school to better herself with spiritual teachings. Phyllis persevered.

Life was hard but Phyllis managed to make enough money delivering newspapers to buy a used clarinet from a kindly man in the community. This lead to a lifelong love of music and a desire to become a music teacher. This was not to be, as college tuition was beyond the family's means. Instead, Phyllis joined the nurse cadet training program for service in World War II. The War ended before she could serve, so she later enlisted in the 8th Army to serve in the Korean War as a nurse in the 43rd MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). This was the unit that was the model for the movie and television 4077 MASH. Phyllis became a skilled professional.

It was at the 43rd that she met future husband, Jim Winter, who came to the MASH for treatment of a minor eye infection. This was the first and only time Jim ever needed hospital care. So the girl from Iowa and the boy from South Dakota met in Korea and settled in Nebraska. Here they raised three kids while Phyllis supported the family with her nursing career and Jim went to Law College. The young family built a middle class life and Phyllis was just on the verge of leaving nursing to devote full attention to her children. This was not to be as Jim died suddenly at the age of 40 leaving her and three young teenagers to raise on her own. She fiercely loved and supported her children while returning to full-time work on hospital wards. Again, Phyllis persevered.

Eventually, the children reached independent adulthood and Phyllis Winter was free to enjoy life. She traveled and developed a posse of like-minded women who enjoyed dancing and dining. She enjoyed knitting and became an accomplished cross-stitcher. She wrote stories. She became an accomplished appreciator of life. Phyllis thrived.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, Ina Theodora Nelson Duke, her adoptive father, William Hoyt Duke, husband James McLay Winter, Sr., cousin and lifelong friend Delores (Dee) Mickelson, and son-in-law Bradley Ayres Dickson Winter. Also preceding her were her many extended family and friends in and around Harlan, IA, and her beloved companion animals.

She is survived by daughter Kristine Ina Winter of Hot Springs SD, sons James McLay Winter II of Huson MT, and David Duke (Teri) Winter of Lincoln, grandchildren Tom (Amber) Winter of Lincoln, Brian (CJ) Winter of Omaha, Angie Winter of Lolo MT, great-grandchildren Aubrey, Riley, and Lydia Winter of Lincoln, Samantha and Travis Winter of Omaha, Cade and Myles Fowlkes of Lolo MT, and the kind and compassionate caregivers of Lancaster Rehabilitation Center and Traditions Hospice.

She leaves us her quiet lessons in overcoming adversity to live joyful and purposeful life. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021, 2:00 -3:00 pm, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE. Interment to be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences online at www.lincolnfh.com.