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Phylliss Gleich YANKTON, S.D. — Phylliss A. Gleich, 72, Yankton, S.D., died peacefully May 20, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Yankton.
As Phylliss requested, no services will be held.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz and Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Yankton.
Phylliss A. Gleich was born April 2, 1952, to Ernest and Christine Jane (Case) Aldrich in Fullerton. She spent the early years of her life in Belgrade, until she and her siblings were adopted by Herschel and Alice Mae (DePue) Forinash Aug. 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 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 Sept. 26, 1981. They moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., 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, Colo. 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 3 a.m., just so she wouldn’t miss out. She will be dearly missed.
Survivors include her two daughters, Christine DeBlauw, Gayville, S.D., and Alice (Ted) Miller, St. Helena; three step children, Mark Gleich, Las Vegas, Nev.; Randy Gleich, Yankton, S.D.; and Susan (Joel) Brewer, Yankton, S.D.; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Brandy, Jesse, David, Robert, Elizabeth, Joseph, Christopher and Jennifer; five great-grandchildren, Jonny, Jameson, Aiden, Alina and Carter; two brothers, Bob Forinash, Louisville, Texas, and Randy (Judy Lehmann) Forinash, Ida Grove, Iowa; and sister, Carolyn (Ed) Kristine, Plymouth, Minn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Gleich; parents, Herschel and Alice Mae Forinash, and biological parents, Ernest and Christine Jane Aldrich.
To help celebrate Phylliss’ life, a memorial donation may be sent to The Pink Ladies. Please include her name in your donation and mail to: The Pink Ladies, 411 Capital St. Yankton, SD 57078.
