Phyllis (Chwialkowski) Anderson

Phyllis Anderson, 78, of Strandquist, MN, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Phyllis Josephine Chwialkowski was born on March 30, 1938, in Warren, MN to John and Mary (Gajeski) Chwialkowski. She was raised on the family farm near Strandquist and harvested potatoes for many years. She attended Strandquist public school into high school, but was prevented from graduating due to the school burning down.

This didn't stop her from marrying her high school sweetheart, Gene Anderson, though. On October 15, 1958, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND, the two were united in Holy Matrimony. The young couple made their home in Grand Forks, then in Strandquist, MN. Several years later, they moved to Phyllis' family farmstead, where Phyllis stayed home with their five children and was a model farm wife. The two would call this farm “home” for the rest of their lives together. Not only was she an excellent homemaker, baker, and cook, but she could handle cattle or stack hay bales just as well as any man. She was a “true farm girl” and particularly enjoyed helping with the cows during calving season.

Phyllis was active in her church and used her free time to garden and can food, do crossword puzzles, or paint. She will be remembered with a smile for the many tissues she offered her children over the years, always stored so resourcefully in her bra; as well as for the great love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of over 58 years, Gene; her children, Vickie (Bryce) Hanson of Karlstad, Laura (Walt) Kostrzewski of Strandquist, Sheri (Tim) Lewis of Newfolden, Sue (Tom) Anderson of Karlstad, and Carl (Missy) Anderson of Strandquist; nine grandchildren, Josh, Kent, Amanda, Emily, Matthew, Luke, Lyndsey, and Logan; seven great-grandchildren; and brother, Ted (Rita) Chwialkowski of Stephen, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Conrad Chwialkowski, Eleanor Chapman, and Janet Johnson; granddaughter, Krista Anderson; and great-grandchildren, Jared, Jonathon, and Jessica

Visitation: Monday, March 13, 2017, from 5-7 PM, with a Rosary at 6:45 and prayer service at 7:00 PM, in St. Edward Catholic Church, Karlstad, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, March 14, at 10:30 AM, in St. Edward Catholic Church, Karlstad, MN.

Interment: St. Edward Catholic Cemetery, Strandquist, MN.

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