Phyllis Peterson

Phyllis Joan Peterson was born February 23, 1940 to Ralph and Harriet (Kolden) Bachel in Morris, MN. She grew up on a farm south of Alberta where she had many friends; people as well as animals. After graduating from Alberta H.S. in 1958, she lived briefly in Minneapolis. Her education and employment were cut short when she returned to Morris in 1960 to help her mother care for her father, Ralph, who passed away from cancer in September 1960.

Months later she met Elwood "Jack" Peterson on a blind date and 6 months later they were married on July 15, 1961. In their marriage they had 2 children; Jacqueline and Michael.

Phyllis had a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime. She worked for years at Henry's Candy Co. and then finished her receptionist career at the Morris Sun Tribune. They later employed her as a columnist, writing the famous "Phyllis' Fixins".

Phyllis enjoyed a variety of activities. She loved watching the Minnesota Vikings, especially with her friends at the American Legion. She was a wiz at crossword puzzles, usually completing the whole puzzle very quickly! Her other favorite pastimes included taking care of her other "son" Figaro the cat, going on country drives (especially to Duluth and Blue Cloud Abbey) and trying new recipes. Before her illness, Saturday night Mass was something she never missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Harriet and by her husband, Jack. We are sure they are so happy to be with Phyllis once again! She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Jacqueline Stanger (husband Peter), Abercrombie, N.D, her son, Father Michael Peterson of Blue Cloud Abbey, 3 grandchildren; Hope Agnew of Abercrombie, ND, Andrew Agnew of Minneapolis and Taylor Agnew of Madison, WI, 4 bonus grandchildren, Shelby, Anthony, Andrew and Elizabeth Stanger of Chaska. She will also be missed by her cat, Figaro now of Abercrombie, ND. Also survived by Betty Kolden, Curt Kolden, Alvina Nelson, Eloise Neitzel, Luella Peterson and Harold Peterson.

Pallbearers will be Andrew and Taylor Agnew (grandsons) and Arnold, Jerry, David and Kirk Kolden (cousins).

Phyllis' family wishes to extend a special thank you to ALL of you who took such good care of her the last 10 months. It means more than we can say.