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Phyllis Kestel Fisher of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a Vigil at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Ave NW, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at St. Pius X Parish, Cedar Rapids, by Fr. Jon Seda.
Phyllis was born at home on a farm near Storm Lake to Albert and Catherine (Grigsby) Kestel on Dec. 2, 1935. She attended grade school and high school at St. Mary’s in Storm Lake, graduating in 1953.
She left Storm Lake to pursue her independence in Colorado, which included airline stewardess school. Ultimately, she landed in Omaha, Neb., and worked at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. There, she met her future husband, Paul. They were married July 14, 1956, at St. Mary’s in Storm Lake. After 12 years in Omaha, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, where Paul began employment at Life Investors Insurance Company.
Phyllis enjoyed decorating, reading, movies, baking, watching women’s basketball and everything “family.” She was a member of St. Pius Parish where she volunteered and became friends with the women of St. Ann’s circle.
In retirement, Paul and Phyllis enjoyed many trips throughout the United States, especially to visit children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed a trip to Niagara Falls on their 50th anniversary. They had 61 years of love together.
Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out. Faith and prayer were her guides. The importance of family was paramount. She believed in the value and dignity of all people and taught her children how to love and be kind by her example. She was quiet, energetic and independent. Her creative flair and attention to detail were unmatched. Her generous spirit, ability to listen, smile, hugs and waves good-bye will be greatly missed.
Phyllis is survived by her children: Deborah (Jeffrey) Jump, Thomas (Carolyn) Fisher, Susan (Arnoldo) Fisher, Daniel Fisher, Sr. and John Fisher; her grandchildren: Carys Fisher, Reid Fisher, Misha Harris, Julian Harris, Daniel Fisher, Jr. and Avery Fisher; and great-grandson, Mason Peters, Jr.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Paul; her daughter Linda Coffin; her parents; her brothers, Richard and Norman; as well as many beloved extended family members and in-laws.
Donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to The American Cancer Society, The Sjögren’s Foundation or St. Pius Church in Cedar Rapids. Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.
