In Memory - Phyllis Mitzner

July 1, 1942-Sept. 18, 2020

Phyllis passed away at her home farm under hospice care and surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. She courageously fought ovarian cancer for over three-and-half years, showing strength and enduring faith.

Phyllis was born July 1, 1942, to Clarence and Irene (Bedow) Jeske in Springfield. When she was six years old, the family moved to a farm west of Balaton. Her father passed away when she was 11 years old. This instilled a hard work ethic in her while she helped her mother on the farm. She continued this hard work ethic throughout her life.

Phyllis married Dean Mitzner on July 26, 1967, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She was a hardworking homemaker that helped her husband, Dean, with the farm. The couple raised six children while also doing things she was passionate about throughout her life. She raised, trained, and showed Morgan horses and she won many ribbons and trophies. Phyllis was a gifted artist and created beautiful artwork, stained glass, and various crafts. She had beautiful and bountiful flower and vegetable gardens for years. She had a gift with growing orchids as well. Phyllis also was a talented baker with wedding cakes, desserts and homemade bread.

Phyllis went to school in Balaton. Outside of her home and farm work, Dean and Phyllis had an insurance business for many years. Phyllis also worked as a security guard at the Minnesota Corn Processers until she retired. She was active in her church as a member of Ladies Aide. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, the Balaton Historical Society and the MN Orchid Society. Phyllis loved to attend her children and grandchildren’s activities throughout the years and went to many recitals, concerts, confirmations and graduations.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dean, and six children: Kelley (and Terry) Schallert of Lacrosse, WI, Kraig (and Jody) Mitzner of Silverdale, WA, Karen (and Randy) Mitzner of Burnsville, Jon Mitzner of Balaton, Kay Mitzner of Burnsville, Joy (and Eric) McKenzie of Sartell. She has 11 grandchildren: Tiffany (and Daniel) Martinez, Stephanie, Courtney and Stephen Schallert; Stephen (and Kristina) Mitzner and Chelsey (and Tony) Scotti: Katherine, Kirk and Nicole Mitzner, Amelia and Matthew McKenzie. She has three great-grandchildren: Skye and Noah Scotti, Lilah Mitzner. Also survived by her sisters Geraldine Shaikoski of Fairmont, and Vivian “Pat” Johnson of Balaton, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mildred “Millie.”