Phyllis Kotschwar Traphagan

Phyllis Pauline (Kotschwar) Traphagan was born to Leo and Anastasia (Wasia) Kotschwar on March 21, 1938 in Dickens, Nebraska. Phyllis passed away on January 4, 2005 after a battle with cancer while residing at the Yuma Life Care Center in Yuma, Colorado. Phyllis was 66 years old.

Phyllis was raised in McCook, Nebraska and graduated from McCook High School in 1956. She married Robert Traphagan on June 15, 1957. Phyllis and Robert moved to San Fernando Valley in California where they lived for six years. This union was blessed with four children, in 1958 the twin sons, Patrick and Michael, in 1963 daughter, Mary was born. After Mary was born, Bob and Phyllis moved to Wheat Ridge, CO and in 1964, Tracy was born.

While raising the family, Phyllis worked as a bookkeeper for Valley Water District. In 1983, they moved to Eads, CO to pursue their dream of owning and operating their own small motel, grocery store and gas station. Phyllis and Bob divorced in 1987. Phyllis returned to Denver where she was a Medical Records Director at several nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in the Denver area. Phyllis retired in 2001.

Her family was her greatest joy, as well as music, ballet dancing, traveling, jewelry, good friends and laughter. Phyllis was a loving mother, grandmother, a caring sister and loyal friend.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Don Kotschwar and Vernon Kotschwar; five sisters, Shirley Slack, Thelma Duckworth, Alice Carlson, Ruth Vieth and Laurine Channel.

Phyllis is survived by twin sons, Pat Traphagan and wife, Cindy of Eckley, CO and Mike Traphagan of Garland, TX; daughters, Mary Traphagan of Denver, CO and Tracy DeDore of Los Gatos, CA; four grandchildren, Kevin Traphagan of Westminister, CO and Jessica, Austin and Tara Traphagan of Eckley, CO. Phyllis also leaves two brothers, Kent Kotschwar and wife, Phyllis of McCook and Stanley “Jiggs” Kotschwar and wife, Pat of Stratton, NE; two sisters, Laverna Ely and husband, Wayne and Jackie Boehm all of McCook; sister-in-law, Cecelia Kotschwar of McCook; brother-in-law, Bob Vieth of Grand Island, NE; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Phyllis will be missed by all.

Memorials may be given in her memory to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Friday until time of rosary. Friends may go on-line at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Rosary will be Friday, January 7, 2005, 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 8, 2005, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of local arrangements.

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