Phyllis Magdalene McElligott Schulte

On August 29, 2026, our mother Phyllis Magdalene McElligott Schulte, surrounded by five generations of her loving family in her home of 74 years, left the bonds of this earth and went home to our Lord.

Mom was born on August 23, 1927, the daughter of John E. and Jeanette McElligott. Born to an Irish Catholic family in the Irish community of Ryan, Iowa where she was lovingly nicknamed ‘Cat Eyes’ for her piercing green eyes. Her Catholic faith was the framework of her life. Mom attended St. John’s school until she graduated from high school. After high school she received her teaching certificate from the Iowa Teachers College and taught in Dumont, Monti and a one room schoolhouse in Silver Creek, Iowa.

After he returned from service Mom married “her Jim” James Schulte on January 31, 1953. They began their life together on the farm on the banks of Silver Creek. There they had the grace of dying where they lived and loved. Four children were born to them, Mary Virginia, James Charles, Elizabeth Anne and Regina Anne. Mom and Dad gave us a wonderful life in this home overflowing with love.

Mom was an avid reader, loved history and nature. She loved to bake bread, pies (her cherry was divine) and delicious birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren! Her cakes brought a high bid every year at the parish gala. She was a wonderful hostess and loved to entertain; a trait she passed on to her children. Mom loved golfing with Dad and family and friends. She loved playing cards: 500, Canasta, Bridge and of course Pegs and Jokers. There were many laughs with dear friends across these tables. In the small community Mom was also known as the best darn ditch burner - you only had to see the smoke to know she was at it again!

Mom was employed at St. Patrick’s School Library, then as a teacher at St. Paul’s School of Religion after St. Patrick’s was closed. Later she was employed at the libraries at North Linn Elementary in Coggon and Walker, Iowa.

Mom was a devoted fan of North Linn, watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play there for over 50 years. She was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Da Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame.

Mom loved practicing her Catholic faith and sharing it with others through Cursillo, CEW and TEC retreats, but most of all at her home parish. At the time of her death at the age of 99 she was the longest living continuous member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Ryan.

Over the years Mom enjoyed many adventures with family and friends, especially Regina who joined her on the farm after Dad’s death.

Surviving are her children, Mary and Tom Schwartz of Dubuque, Jim and Sharon Schulte of Alburnett, Elizabeth and Randy Benesch of Walker and Regina Schulte of Ryan (Silver Creek); her grandchildren, Erin Schwartz (Joe Lomen), Chris Schwartz, Michael Schwartz and Bridget Schwartz, Annie and John Mueller, Jessica and Kyle Anthony, and Mary Ellen Schulte (Cody Miller), Ryan and Aly Benesch, Katie and Chris Tritle, Meghan McGraw and Patrick Benesch, Mike Hansen; and grandson by choice, Donovan Screws; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Francis Hansen, Gabe and Aidian Schwartz, Eloise and Olivia Thiltgen, Izzie and Emily Mueller, Calvin Anthony, Lila and Edward Schulte, Irys, Hazel and Roe Benesch, Leighton and Hudson Tritle, Blake and Brooke McGraw, Claire and Grace McGraw; and her one-month-old great-great-granddaughter, Lakyn McGraw. Mom is also survived by her treasured nieces and nephews of the Phillips, Riordan and Schulte families. She loved them very much and they were devoted to her.

Waiting for her in Heaven is her beloved Jim; her parents, John and Nettie; her sisters, Mary Phillips and Virginia Riordan; her brother, John Vincent, and baby brother, Richard McElligott; her brothers-in-law, John Phillips and Lawrence Riorda; grandson-in-law, Logun Buckley; and many nieces and nephews. She was greeted by so many dear friends and family and reunited with her beloved dog and guardian angel Jake.

The entire Schulte clan wishes to thank Meghan and Bridget for the loving, attentive care they both gave their grandma in this last week. It was a beautiful testament to their calling as caregivers and their love for their grandmother. The Schulte family also wishes to thank Care Initiatives for the care given to our mother in these last weeks. We especially want to thank nurse Theresa and aide Sidney for their daily and weekly devotion to Mom and nurse Paige for her care in Mom’s final hours. Thank you to Fr. Shatz and Pastor Chris Anderson for visiting Mom and really caring for her faith journey.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, Monticello, Iowa and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Memorial Services: Wake will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday, September 4th at the St. Patrick’s Gym, 510 Howard Street, Ryan, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 615 Howard Street, Ryan, Iowa. Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Ryan. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, Iowa, is assisting the family.