Phyllis Osborn
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Phyllis Jean (Goldhorn) Osborn, 82, formerly of Grand Island, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021 in Kearney at CountryHouse Residence.
Visitation will be at All Faiths Funeral Home, Sunday, May 9th from 4 - 6:00, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 Monday, May 10th at the First Presbyterian Church, both in Grand Island. The service will be livestreamed at facebook.com/gipresby. A graveside service will take place at the Castlewood, SD Cemetery on Wednesday, May 12th at 11:00.
Phyllis was born on August 29th, 1938 near Castlewood, SD to John and Lois (Ching) Goldhorn. Affectionately known as 'Jitter' to her family, she and her younger brother, Don, were raised on the family farm. Her childhood was joyful; filled with love and fun times with aunts, uncles and cousins.
Phyllis graduated from Castlewood High School in 1956, and earned her Teaching Certificate from Northern State College in 1958.
She married Jerry Osterday in 1959. Together they had two daughters, Julie and Janelle.
Phyllis valued higher education for herself and others, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kearney State College in 1979, and a Master's Degree from Doane College in 1988.
Her teaching career began in Sioux Falls, SD in 1958. She then taught in Norfolk, NE for 2 years before opening a preschool in her home. After the family moved to Grand Island in 1969, Phyllis taught Head Start and then Kindergarten at West Lawn and Newell Elementary schools.
She married Don Osborn in 1997. Phyllis retired in 2004, leaving a career she thoroughly enjoyed. Her greatest passion was children, and she touched the lives of many over the years. She always said teaching was best job ever!
Phyllis was a great example of humility and kindness. She was always willing to serve others with a gentle heart. She was a gracious hostess and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She loved the holidays and spent countless hours planning meals and activities to make them extra special for her family. Phyllis was a loyal friend, fun to be around and had a delightful sense of humor. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and cherished time spent with them.
She was an avid bridge player, belonging to several bridge clubs and was a fan of Husker football and volleyball and enjoyed attending community concerts and plays. She loved the outdoors, going for walks and spending time in her yard.
Phyllis was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church for over fifty years. She volunteered at the Presbyterian preschool, hospital gift shop, library and the Nebraska State Fair. She also tutored numerous students.
Phyllis was preceeded in death by her parents, and many beloved aunts and uncles.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters and spouses, Julie and John Riese of Kearney, NE, and Jan and Mike Jablonski of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren, Blake (Amanda) Jablonski of Elko, MN, Kylee Jablonski of Prior Lake, MN, Abby Riese (Luke Murphy) of Omaha, NE, and Riley Riese (Karry Johns) of Kearney, NE; great-granddaughters, Leni Jean and Burke Everly Jablonski and Quinn Parker Murphy; a brother, Don (Jan) Goldhorn of Castlewood, SD, a niece, nephews, special cousins, and dear friends.
Memorials can be directed to the family for future designation to the First Presbyterian Church Preschool and the GI Community Foundation/Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund.
Online remembrances may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.