Phyllis Loraine Kidwell, 97, of Waterloo, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, under Unity Point Hospice surrounded by her family.

Phyllis was born on August 15, 1929, in Parkersburg, to John and Sarah (Dietz) Tjebkes. She was the last surviving of their eight daughters. Phyllis met the love of her life, Harold K. Kidwell, at a roller-skating rink in Waterloo. Six months later, they married on December 28, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. They shared 74 years of marriage before Harold preceded her in death on November 26, 2021.

Phyllis worked at Rath Packing for many years before beginning a 20-year career with Waterloo Community Schools at Logan Junior High. After retiring in 1992, Phyllis and Harold enjoyed traveling, fishing, and visiting the casino in Tama. Additional favorite pastimes were doing puzzles and reading books. As charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Phyllis and Harold served the congregation in many capacities. Phyllis was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. They cherished time with their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Annie, Rosie, Henrietta, Violet, Eddaline, Ruthie, and Emmaline and their husbands; and son-in-law, Andy Rowe.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Becky Kidwell-Rowe and Debra (Rick) Kane; grandchildren, Tammy (Dan) Barth, Kelly (Chris) Bovone, Jennifer (Chad) Hartz, Dan (Dawn) Brown, Ryan (Tana) Brown, and Jillian (Gabe) Besh; 17 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation and Funeral Service: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 501 E. Donald Street Waterloo. Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with burial following at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Locke at Garden View Chapel is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.