Phyllis M. Forss, age 86, formerly of Hader, MN died Friday, February 18, 2022, at Kenyon Senior Living.
Phyllis Marie Loken was born on June 21, 1935, in Zumbrota, MN. Phyllis was one of four children born to Olaf and Dora Loken. Her siblings were Irene, Russell, and Carol. On May 7, 1955, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, rural Kenyon, MN, Phyllis married Ralph Forss. Both Phyllis and Ralph were longtime members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. They were married 66 years and had three children: Sandi, Susan, and Scott.
Before her retirement, Phyllis was a waitress at the Edgewood Restaurant and then spent a long career as a legal secretary supporting three attorneys in Wanamingo (Frank Peterson, Ray Wahlberg, and Steve Jorstad). She was a familiar face to many in Wanamingo and probably knew everyone in town.
Phyllis had many interests that kept her busy. In addition to working full-time, Phyllis enjoyed spending time with family. She was a woman of love. She cheered for all her kids, grandkids & great-grandkids. Food was love to her. You learned to visit her house hungry because you would be fed. She mailed, yes mailed our favorite cookies, bars, or other treats out of state and even out of the country to make us happy. She and Ralph were always eager to host family holiday and birthday gatherings.
Phyllis was very active in her church and was always willing to volunteer and provide food for many church gatherings. She also served on the church’s 150th anniversary committee. Phyllis also enjoyed sports. Whether watching in person, on TV, or listening to games on the radio…she was there. She was an avid high school sports, Twins, Vikings, and U of MN Gophers fan. She and Ralph enjoyed their country home in South Hader, MN for many years.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her sister, Irene; and her brother, Russell. Survivors include her children Sandi (Andre) Chromey, Susan (Dave) Davidson, and Scott (Craig) Thomas-Forss; grandchildren Anna (Aaron) Telecky, Sara (Thad) Dahling, Luke Davidson, Angela (Piet) Hansel, Tyler (Kesley) Buchardt, and Brandon (Carol) Thomas; great-grandchildren Isabelle, Ruth, Grace, Seth, Evelyn, Quinham, Finley, Kaden, Ellen, and Cooper. Survivors also include her sister Carol (Ray) Dahlen, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 25, at 2 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 42957 Co. 1 Blvd, Kenyon, MN 55946 There will be a visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. The service will be live streamed, and may be viewed by clicking on the link below.
