Phyllis Ann (Weishaupt) Colclasure

Phyllis Ann Fisher was born on September 29, 1933, to Wilbur “Bill” and Louise Marie Giles Fisher. She was raised in rural Mackinaw as well as a few years in Pekin. She was a 1951 graduate of Deer Creek Mackinaw High School after which she maintained lifelong friendships with five other girls in her class. She married Herbert Wayne Weishaupt on June 14, 1953, in Mackinaw.

Herb enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Baltimore, Maryland, which is where the couple began their family. They returned to Illinois a couple of years later and settled in rural Hopedale where Herb farmed. In 1972, they moved their family to rural Mackinaw when a new farming opportunity arose. There they remained until Herb’s passing in 1984.

Phyllis was a lifelong member of Mackinaw United Methodist Church. A natural soprano, Phyllis sang in choirs from a young age and directed the children’s choir. She served on every committee possible, and both she and Herb were mentors to many younger couples within the congregation. Phyllis attended and supported Cursillo as well.

Herb was also a talented vocalist, and together with Phyllis, they were asked to sing at many weddings, funerals, churches, and special events. Music was a foundation of their family, and their three daughters eventually joined them to sing as a family group.

One way that Phyllis ministered to others was through greeting cards. She faithfully sent cards to everyone she knew for their birthday or anniversary, as well as major life events or to offer support and encouragement. In later years, the recipient would be gifted with a lap full of card confetti which Phyllis efficiently reused and placed in every card when appropriate. Most learned to open Phyllis’s cards over a trash can!

Phyllis worked at Commercial National Bank in Peoria when she was just out of high school. She volunteered at the Hopedale Medical Complex. She tended the greeting card inventory at the Mackinaw IGA for several years. Phyllis raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society over several years by organizing and hosting an annual “Fall Walk” in Mackinaw.

Phyllis passed away on Monday, August 31st, 2026. To know Phyllis was to know an angel on earth. We rejoice knowing that she is in God’s presence and free from the dementia which slowly took her away from us. We are thankful the dementia did not steal her faith, her spirit, her sense of humor, or the words to the many hymns and songs she loved.

Phyllis’s family would like to thank the staff at Hopedale Nursing Home for the loving, compassionate care given to their loved one for the past 7 years.

Phyllis is survived by her four children: Evy (Mike) Dotson of Tremont, Ann (Dan) Schwarting of Mackinaw, Lori Faughn of Mackinaw, and Tom (Melinda Morris) of Mackinaw. Countless cups of Special Milk and Grandma Phyllis Cookies were made for her twelve grandchildren: Katie (Paul) Simons, Lydia (David Holmes) Dotson, Nyla (Armando) Nieves, Heather Schwarting, Ed (Joy) Schwarting, Matt (Sammie) Faughn, Isaiah (Jill) Faughn, Jeremiah (Jessica) Faughn, Sharon (Brett) Holzwarth, Anna Odari, Austin (Katie) Weishaupt, and Dillon (Jenna) Weishaupt. Phyllis was also blessed with twenty great grandchildren. Phyllis also has two bonus grandsons, Bennett (Kylie) Morris and Charlie Morris, as well as two bonus great grandchildren.

Other surviving family members include Phyllis’s brother and sister-in-law, John and Karen Fisher; sisters-in-law Margaret and Delores Weishaupt; niece Christy (Ryan) Roosma and nephew Tim (Ixtchel) Fisher, as well as dozens of Weishaupt nieces and nephews. Phyllis is also survived by her best friend of 89 years, Marilyn Jean Unsicker.

Phyllis was married to J. Frank Fowler from 1986 until his death in 2002. She later married Bobby Colclasure in 2005 until his passing in 2019.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Bill Bumgarner; her husbands; and her son-in-law, Dale Faughn.

Phyllis’s visitation and funeral will be held Friday, September 4th at Mackinaw United Methodist Church. Her visitation will be from 9 to 11 am, and her funeral service will begin at 11. Phyllis will be laid to rest next to Herb at the Mackinaw Township Cemetery after the service.

Memorials in Phyllis’s memory can be made to Mackinaw United Methodist Church or Hopedale Nursing Home Activities.

Psalm 121: 1 - 2 (KJV): I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

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