Phyllis Marie Hannappel

Phyllis Marie (Bolling) Hannappel, age 93 years, 4 months and 17 days, was born January 3, 1933, in Central City, Nebraska, died in her sleep on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad Nebraska.

Phyllis was born on January 3, 1933, in Central City, NE to Henry and Eva (McMahon) Bolling. She graduated from Central City High School in 1950 and earned a degree to teach in rural schools from Nebraska Central College, then taught for five years in Merrick County. On June 7, 1955, she married Wallace (Wally) Hannappel at St. Michael’s Church in Central City, Nebraska, and moved near Clarks, where they farmed for five years and began their family. Five years later they moved to Greeley Colorado with Lawrence, Kathy, and Joe and there they were blessed with two more children, Mark and Yvonne. In 1963 they moved to Cozad, Nebraska and five years later Irene completed the family.

Throughout her life, she described raising her children as her greatest achievement. Her devotion to Christ and his teachings inspired her family’s faith and spirituality, as well as guided her work in her community. She was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church serving in the Altar Society and teaching the first communion class and later the seniors after Confirmation. Wallace and Phyllis were committed to stewardship of their time, talent and treasure to their parish, and to local, national and international charities. Her warmth, love for others, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew her.

She also loved to play cards and taught all her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to play games, rummy and pitch and insisted that no one was allowed to ever cheat! She played cards with her loved ones until the last days of her life. Her family joked throughout the years that she was affectionately known as a “card shark” because even while teaching card games, she never went easy on anyone. Because of this, winning a game of cards against Phyllis was well-earned. After retiring from South Central Development Center she joined local bridge groups and enjoyed bridge tournaments at the Cozad Grand Generation Center.

Along with other gifts and skills, Phyllis was a homemaker, gardener, flower tender (especially peonies) and baker. Her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls (grandma’s cake) were enjoyed by family and friends. She was known for her engaging smile, contagious laugh, warm hugs and “Phyllis’ Blessing.” She would say I love you and make the sign of the cross on the forehead of everyone as they arrived and departed. It is a special occurrence that her passing from this life into her eternal living immediately preceded the Feast of Pentecost that celebrates the decent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The Holy Spirit was her favorite person in the Holy Trinity. She would often remind people that “you can always trust the Holy Spirit to help and guide you!”

Phyllis is survived by her six children, Lawrence (Karen) Hannappel of Tucson, AZ, Kathleen (Gary) Lemmer of Cozad, Fr. Joseph Hannappel of Broken Bow, Dr. Mark (Dr. Pam) Hannappel of Norfolk, Yvonne (Tim) Esch of Spalding, Irene (Aaron) Burklund of Papillion; 13 grandchildren: Justin, Jacob, Sarah, Andrew, Emily, Michael, Madeline, Nathan, Alex, Anna, Matthew, Eva, and Eli; and 16 great grandchildren. And her baby sister Carol (James) Johnson of Albuquerque NM and numerous family members and close friends.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents Hank & Eva, her husband, Wallace; and her siblings, Charlie, Philip, Catherine, Melissa, and Maymie and her best friend Ev Petersen.

A charitable memorial has been established in her name to be used for her favorite charities, especially Christ the King Catholic Church and Catholic Relief Services (for relief from recent natural disasters.) 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cozad with Father Joseph Hannappel presiding with Father Joseph Ravi Gudipalli, Father Vidya Sagar Arikotla and priests of the Diocese of Grand Island concelebrating. Burial will be at 1:30 pm in the Cozad Cemetery after the lunch in the Parish Hall. Visitation will be at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cozad on Monday, May 25, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service and Rosary at 6 p.m.