March 29, 2016

Phyllis Yesel

Phyllis Yesel, 77, of Watford City, N.D., passed away, Friday, March 25, 2016, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck after a battle with lung cancer.  
Phyllis Amelia Yesel was born to her parents Harry and Gladys (Wisness) Thompson, on April 20, 1938, in Watford City around noon. Shortly after Gladys delivered baby Phyllis, her twin, Philip was delivered. It was a surprise to Gladys as she didn't know she was having twins. They joined older siblings, Harley and Gloria, at the farm.  
She grew up in Charlson, N.D. on the farm.
She went to school at the John Olson School until she was in eighth grade.  In eighth Grade, she attended the Keene School, where Gladys was the teacher. For her high school years, she and Phillip attended Watford City High School. They lived in an apartment during the week and went home to the farm on the weekends.
Phyllis met Leo, her husband, after his time in the Navy. They met through friends and he asked her to a barn dance. They were married after she graduated high school on Aug. 4, 1956, at the Watford City Epiphany Catholic Church by Father Aydt. Together they had six children: Leon, Charlene, Kelly, Steven, Blaine, and Teresa.
As her children grew and started their own families, she very lovingly welcomed grandchildren. She often cared for the grandchildren while their parents were working and was a stopping place for the grandchildren as they grew. She was known to her family for her good home cooked meals. She and Leo would take the grandchildren to appointments and games regularly. She rarely missed a sporting event!
Phyllis’s family was her priority, but she also enjoyed several hobbies in life. She loved to play basketball and softball. She continued to play softball even into her adult life in the Watford City Women’s Softball League. She was involved in the Women’s Bowling League for years. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, and loved FOX News.
She is survived by Charlene (Curtis) Samuelson, Steve (Stephanie) Yesel, Blaine (Lisa) Yesel, and Teresa (Kent) Norbeck, her children; Gloria (Merlin) Vandyke, her sister; Philip (Sharleen) Thompson, her brother; her 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Phyllis is preceded in death by Gladys and Harry Thompson, her parents; Leo Yesel, her husband; Leon and Kelly Yesel, her sons; and Harley Thompson, her brother.
A public visitation for Phyllis was held on Monday, March 28, 2016, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City.
In accordance with Phyllis’ wishes, a private family funeral mass was held at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City. Fr. Brian Gross celebrated the mass. Interment will be in Schafer Cemetery in Watford City.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER