Obituary of Phyllis Hawkinson

Phyllis (Fernberg) Hawkinson, 94, passed away October 20, at Bethany Home, Lindsborg. She was born June 7, 1920 to Phillip and Hanna (Burk) Fernberg in New Gottland, Kansas. Growing up a farm girl in New Gottland, she graduated from McPherson High School and earned a 1 year teaching credential from Bethany College. She taught at country schools in McPherson County until 1943, when she moved to Los Angeles with her family. In that same year she met Al Sjolander who she would marry in November. He went off to war and she stayed in L.A. and worked as a bank teller until he came home. They raised a family and were married for 28 years until Al's death in 1973. Phyllis worked at Augsburg-Fortress Church Supply store for 12 years until 1980, when she married Rev. Paul Hawkinson. They moved to Marquette where he took a call as pastor of Elim Lutheran Church. In 1985 he retired and they moved to Lindsborg where she was involved in many church activities as well as the Retired Teachers Association and the Lindsborg Hospital Auxilliary. She loved her garden, her many friends and family, and especially her music. She often said that music was a part of her soul and she enjoyed playing for different groups well into her late 80s. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son, John Sjolander, a brother, John Fernberg, and a sister Elizabeth Allen. She is survived by a daughter; Ann Sjolander, and her husband Christopher Palmer; a step-daughter, Naomi Beckering and her husband Todd; a daughter-in-law, Milagros (Mitos) Sjolander; grandchildren: Malin, David, and Kathleen; and a great-grandchild Emmanuel John. Burial will be October 28, 10:00 am at New Gottland Cemetery with a memorial service, 2:00 pm, at Bethany Lutheran Church. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Bethany Home or Bethany Church in care of Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, PO Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com