Phillip Gausman

The funeral for Phillip "Phil" Gausman, of Morris, Minnesota will be on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta, with Reverend Mark Swanson and Minister Minette Stalheim Johnson officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and Thursday one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Pepperton Cemetery, near Alberta.

Phillip Harris Gausman, 70, of rural Morris, passed away September 8, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family after his battle with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma as a direct result of his exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country in Vietnam.

Phillip was born on April 24, 1948 to Harris and Phyllis (Bayerle) Gausman. He graduated from Alberta High School in 1966. He went on to attend St. Cloud State University before joining the United States Navy in 1968. Phil was trained as a Nuclear Machinist Mate. He served three tours in Vietnam. One tour on the USS White Plains (FS4) and two tours on the USS Sculpin (SSN-590). He attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E6) before being honorably discharged in 1974.

Phillip was united in marriage to Mona Jean Emilie Zahrbock on September 14, 1970. The couple resided in Idaho Falls, ID, San Diego, CA and rural Alberta, MN, until Mona’s passing in 2003. They had two children, David and Jennifer.

Phillip was united in marriage to Joyce Annette Raasch on November 14, 2004. The couple resided in Morris, MN and rural Morris, MN. Through this union Phillip gained three more children, Brian, Jen and Blake.

Phillip was active in farming, owning his own shop and working in his scrap yard (treasures). Phillip was a jack of all trades and had even mastered a few.

Phillip was very generous with his time, always willing to lend a helping hand. Phillip enjoyed creating sculptures and art work from his collection of material on the farm. He was an active member of the Morris V.F.W. and American Legion, along with their joint honor guard, where he was the best bugler of the bunch.

In 2010, Phillip was elected to be Stevens County Commissioner for District 5. A position he held until his passing.

Phillips latest endeavor was as a peacock rancher. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, who brought joy and laughter to his life.

He is survived by his wife: Joyce Gausman, Morris, MN; five children: David (Laura Dunning) Gausman, Middle River, MN, Jennifer (Jamie) Luberts, Little Falls, MN, Brian (Brenda) Flaten, Alexandria, MN, Jen (Joe) Fults, Donnelly, MN and Blake (Laurie Wulff) Flaten, Morris, MN; one brother: Paul (Marni) Gausmann, Phillipines; one sister: Kate Gausmann, MaysLick, KY; six grandchildren: Andrew Gausman, Emily Gausman, Andrew Flaten, Alex Flaten, Carter Fults and Cassie Fults; his canine companion, Gretl and his featherly flock of peacocks. Phil was preceded in death by his first wife, Mona; his parents, Phyllis Gausman and Harris Gausman and feathered friend “P” the Peacock.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Fischer House, 1 Veterans Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417 and the Gorecki House, 1309 6th Ave N, St. Cloud, MN 56303

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.