Phyllis Marie Ahlers

Phyllis Marie Ahlers, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully at Deerfield AFC Home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Phyllis was born on July 25, 1935, in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of the late Clarence and Mae (Olger) Theisen. A lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1953. She married Henry “Hank” Ahlers, with whom she shared nearly 51 years of marriage until his passing in 2007.

Phyllis was a devoted and long-time parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish. She enjoyed gardening and reading, but her greatest joy was her family. She cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her six children, Denise (Doug) Jones, Catherine Doan, Don (Jeanne) Ahlers, Dave (Donna) Ahlers, Mark (Erin) Ahlers, and Patty (Don) Schafer; 11 grandchildren, Melissa (Adam) Laurie, Heather (Scott) Litle, Katie Ahlers, Colleen Ahlers, Brad (Lauren) Ahlers, Heath Ahlers, Danielle (Dan) Caldwell, Garrett (Abby) Schafer, Grant Schafer, Alex Schafer, and Noah Schafer; and nine great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Gene Theisen, Rita (Bruce) Cline, Pauline (Steve) Thomas, and Pat (Sue) Theisen; sisters-in-law, Brenda Theisen, Joyce Theisen, and Teresa Lucius; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Henry “Hank” Ahlers; her parents, Clarence and Mae Theisen; her son, Brian Ahlers; her grandchildren, Nathan Jones and Amanda Jones; her grandson-in-law, Ajay Kaakarni; her siblings, Jack (Nancy) Theisen, Tom Theisen, Bill Theisen, and Mary (Rob) Sproule; and her sister-in-law, Jan Theisen.

A Funeral Mass for Phyllis will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Robert Byrne presiding and Deacon Jim Damitio assisting. The Rite of Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center, attached to the funeral home. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Monday from 4–6:30 p.m., with a vigil service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday for one hour prior to Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Academy Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.