Phyllis Zager
Phyllis A. Zager, 99 of Waukee, formerly of Waterloo, died Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Independence Village of Waukee. She was born November 16, 1926, in Buckingham, daughter of Burton Steele and Edna Marguerite (Dalziel) Romick. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence, KS in 1944 and attended nursing training at the University of Iowa School of Nursing, Iowa City. Phyllis married Dr. Lewis L. Zager January 11, 1947, in Iowa City. He died January 3, 1989.
She was member of Central Christian Church since 1951, she served as coordinator for the first Fellowship Meals for the Elderly with Kimball Ave churches in 1970's, taught Sunday School, was past president of Christian Women's Fellowship, served as an elder and deacon and was a member of the choir.
She enjoyed reading, Bridge, bird watching, golf, furniture re-finishing, gardening, bicycling, oil painting and attending concert performances.
Phyllis was the Past President of the Black Hawk County Medical Auxiliary where she served on a task force investigating the need for adult day care. This led to the creation of the Newel Post in 1975, resulting in the formation of Adults, Inc – now known as North Star Community Services. She served on the boards of both the Newel Post and Adults Care. She is a former president of P.E.O. Sisterhood- Chapter KS and of the P.E.O. Waterloo Reciprocity Bureau.
She served on Goodwill Industries' Chapel Committee; Visiting Nurses Association Board; Allen Hospital Auxiliary and Russell House Board. She volunteered at Hawkeye Chapter Red Cross and served on the local American Cancer Society board as well as the Gallagher Bluedorn Friends Board.
Phyllis is survived by her two sons, Randall (Victoria) Zager, of Star, Idaho and Bruce (DiAnn) Zager, of W. Des Moines; daughter-in-law, Gail Zager, of Bettendorf; 13 Grandchildren as well as great and great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband; son, Gene Zager; sister Barbara Streittmatter; and brothers, John Romick and Bruce Romick.
Visitation and Funeral services: Family will receive friends from 10:00am until 11:00am with funeral services starting at 11:00am Friday, March 6, 2026, at Central Christian Church, Waterloo.
Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Waterloo.
Memorials are directed to the Central Christian Church or Allen College.
Visit www.LockeFuneralServices.com to leave condolences.