Age 97
Born on 12/6/1924, passed away 2/26/2022.
Preceded in death by husband, Robert, of 58 years, parents, Robert & Amalie Dittmer; sisters, Eleanor, Marie & Mathilda; brothers, Arnold, James & Robert. Survived by son, Tom (Jill) Yanz and special friends Larry & Dianne Collette, Eric Petry; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Born on a farm in Wheatland, ND, Phyllis travelled to elementary school by horse and buggy and later on horseback. She graduated from Kohler School of Nursing, Rochester, MN; her last 6 months of nursing education was at Seattle Naval Hospital. After 9 months training, she was able to enroll in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. She was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis, MN for 28 years and retired in 1985. Phyllis was a member of the St. Paul Dog Training Club. She performed at the MN State Fair with her dog, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. In 1968 she and her husband bought their first quarter horse. They soon became involved in all aspects of the quarter horse breed. She became a part owner of a stallion and was always involved in breeding, foaling out mares, riding showing and competing in many horse shows. She won many awards and was a MQHA Hall of Fame member.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, March 9th, at St. Joseph’s Church, 13900 Biscayne Ave. W. Rosemount and can be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/667092044. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass. Phyllis will be laid to rest at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery, Hastings, MN at a later date.
In honor of Phyllis’s memory, memorials can be directed to Wounded Warriors or donor’s choice. A special thanks to the Lilydale Senior Living Nursing Director, Sue, and Assistant, JoAnn, and all the staff for their care of Phyllis.