Phylliss A. Gleich

Phylliss A. Gleich, age 72, of Yankton, South Dakota, died peacefully at her home in Yankton surrounded by family, May 20, 2024.

As Phylliss requested no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, South Dakota.

Phylliss A. Gleich was born April 2, 1952, to Ernest and Carolyn Jane (Case) Aldrich in Fullerton, Nebraska.  She spent the early years of her life in Belgrade, Nebraska until she and her siblings were adopted by Herschel and Alice Mae (DePue) Forinash on August 5, 1963. She felt blessed to be a part of the Forinash family and enjoyed helping at the family grocery store, Forinash Grocery. After graduating from Hartington Public School, Phylliss went on to marry Danny Hinkel on July 21, 1972. Together they had two daughters: Christine and Alice.  While married to Danny and living in the Hartington area, Phylliss worked at the Hartington Nursing Center as a dietician which was such a fitting position for one that showed her love through cooking and nourishing others. She went on to marry Larry Gleich on September 26th, 1981. They moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Phylliss began her career as a Cosmetologist when she enrolled at Stewart’s School of Cosmetology. She absolutely loved all things cosmetology and excelled in her field, eventually becoming an instructor at the very school she attended. Her life continued to take her on adventures where she eventually made her way to Longmont, Colorado. She made her final move back to Yankton when it was time to care for her mother Alice. Phylliss and Larry enjoyed running their own businesses Lakeport Emporium and 4th St. Tuxedo until they retired.

However, these are the historical facts of Phylliss’ life, and if you knew Phylliss you’d know she felt the sum of one’s life wasn’t necessarily in their accomplishments, but more so in who they were and how they showed up. Phylliss lived her life full of optimism and joy, her cup never being half empty. Even in her last days she maintained that optimism and prided herself in being fiercely independent. Qualities that we’ve come to love and honor deeply. Phylliss was a true nurturer at heart. Her home was a place where you could go to rest, be taken care of and surrounded by her unconditional love. She absolutely loved to cook and bake just like her mother. It was impossible to leave her table hungry. You could just feel her love in every delicious bite. She loved crafts and being creative, working with her hands. Quilting, weaving, sewing, knitting crocheting, you name it she did it and was great at it. One of the things we appreciate the most about her was her love of the simple things in life. A good book, a great cup of coffee and a sunrise. She loved sunrises and coffee so much; you might even find her awake at 3am just so she wouldn’t miss out.   She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her two daughters: Christine DeBlauw of Gayville, South Dakota and Alice (Ted) Miller of St. Helena, Nebraska; three step-children: Mark Gleich of Las Vegas, Nevada; Randy Gleich of Yankton and Susan (Joel) Brewer of Yankton; nine grandchildren: Brittany, Brandy, Jesse, David, Robert, Elizabeth, Joseph, Christopher, and Jennifer; 5 great grandchildren: Jonny, Jameson, Aiden, Alina, and Carter; two brothers: Bob Forinash of Louisville, Texas; Randy (Judy Lehmann) Forinash of Ida Grove, Iowa; and sister, Carolyn (Ed) Kristine of Plymouth, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Gleich; parents, Herschel and Alice Mae Forinash and biological parents, Ernest and Carolyn Jane Aldrich.

If you would like to celebrate Phylliss’ life by sending a memorial donation to The Pink Ladies, please include her name in your donation and mail to: The Pink Ladies, 411 Capital St. Yankton, SD 57078.