Phyllis Bernice Staebner

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Phyllis Bernice Kautz Staebner, 91, a lifelong resident of Artas, SD, gained her Angel wings and heavenly reward on Oct. 31, 2025. She longed to go "home" to her partner in this earthly life, Reinhold, and God answered her prayer.

Phyllis was born July 16, 1934, on a farm just west of Artas to Tyler and Christina (Schweigerdt) Kautz, the eldest of four children. The family moved to a farm five miles south of Artas when Phyllis was just 2. This earthly "home" is where she grew into adulthood, married the love of her life and raised a family of her own.

While in high school, Phyllis, who graduated with the Eureka High School Class of 1952, boarded at a house in town. Across the street lived one of her best friends, Loretta Staebner. One day, Loretta's older brother, Reinhold, came back into town from working with a baling crew. That day, at a soda shop on Main Street Eureka, a love story was born that would last 63 years, produce five children, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, so far.

Following a courtship, Reinie proposed at the Artas Café and the two married on Jan. 7, 1952, in Redfield, SD. The elopement took place just days before the new husband had to leave for U.S. Army basic training, being drafted during the Korean Conflict.

Phyllis loved music and learned how to play the piano at an early age. Though she took limited lessons, she was mostly self-taught and when asked if she "played by ear" she would joyfully respond, "No, I play from the heart."

She grew up in and attended the Artas Evangelical United Brethren (later United Methodist) Church until its closing in 1987. There, she played the piano nearly every Sunday, was a member of the Ladies Aid, a longtime member of the Artas Trio, and was a Sunday School teacher. Teaching the Bible to children and adults was something she enjoyed and continued doing so for more than 70 years.

She and Reinie ran a dairy and small grain farm until their retirement. While milking cows was undoubtedly not a favorite chore, reaping the benefits of the fresh milk and cream was appreciated by her kids when they would get off the school bus to hot, homemade caramel rolls and other goodies.

Following Reinie's stroke in December 2001, Phyllis took care of him at home for 10 years before he entered the Avera Healthcare Center in Eureka. Once there, she faithfully visited him every day that she could. She never wanted him to feel "abandoned."

Following his death in 2015, Phyllis continued to volunteer at the nursing home and assisted living centers in Eureka, playing piano for sing-alongs and, up until age 89, helping those "old people" play bingo.

Phyllis was a member of the Eureka American Legion and VFW auxiliaries, Saving Grace Community Church, former member of the Ninette Birthday Club and Home Extension Club, among others.

Though our hearts are aching, we find comfort in knowing that "Mama," as her children called her, was welcomed with open arms by "Daddy" and all of those who have gone before her that she often talked about seeing again.

In addition to Reinhold, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Tyler and Christina; brother Norman; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and a daughter in infancy.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children Kevan (Marlene) of West Fargo, North Dakota, Kendell of Aberdeen, SD, MaLora (Chris) Young of Bradenton, Florida, Valentina (David) Harline of Canon City, Colorado, and LeAnda Staebner of Artas; sisters Judy (George) Hulscher of Eureka and Loretta Jenner of West Fargo, ND; sister-in-law Loretta Ferguson of Aberdeen; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, who adored their "Auntie Phyllis," and a host of friends.

A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Saving Grace Community Church in Eureka with the Rev. Randall Cloud officiating. Interment will follow at the Artas City Cemetery. Great-niece, Eilene Hulscher will sing :"If that Isn't Love"; Dennis and Margie Walker will sing "There's no Disappointment in Heaven"; Organist will be Ronda Lapp; Usher will be Kenny Kunz; and reader will be Thomas Young.

Honorary bearers will be grandchildren- Tabetha Nilsen, MaShay Stephan, Megan Cross, Thomas Young and Beth Young; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.

Casketbearers will be grandsons Quentin Staebner of Fargo, ND and Jesse Staebner of Aberdeen; Nephews Guy Hulscher of Aberdeen and Jay Hulscher of Waseca, MN; Phyllis's brother-in-law, George Hulscher; and Son-in-law, David Harline.

Visitation, with family present, is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel in Eureka. At 7:00 PM there will be an opportunity for people to share memories of Phyllis.

Phyllis's funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka is in charge of arrangements has been entrusted with arrangements.