Watch Phyllis' Funeral

Phyllis Visser, age 79, of Gary, MN passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Monday, October 23, 2023, after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer.

Phyllis Ann (Diehl) Visser was born April 17, 1944 to William and Mary Donnis (Conover) Diehl in Rugby, ND. Phyllis graduated from Fosston High School in 1962 and began working as a nurse's aid at the McIntosh Nursing Home. She met James "Pete" Visser, and they were united in marriage on September 28, 1968, at Fosston Methodist Church. The couple moved to Ada, MN. Phyllis continued her work at the Ada Nursing Home before transitioning into the role of a dedicated homemaker, who was devoted to raising her family. In 1973, the Vissers moved to a farm outside Gary, MN, a place they would forever call home. Phyllis enjoyed being a mother and was very proud of her children and grandchildren.  She actively supported Pete with the demands of farm life, including tending to livestock and various chores. They raised registered Holstein cattle until 2001. At that time, they switched to beef cattle until 2018 where they embraced semi-retirement, creating cherished family memories through travel to numerous destinations, such as Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, California, Utah, Arizona, Branson, MO, and Winnipeg, Canada. When Pete passed away in 2020, Phyllis continued to reside at the farm until her recent passing.

Phyllis took great pride in her bountiful garden, yielding exquisite flowers and produce that she meticulously canned and preserved. She found joy in baking cookies for her adored grandchildren and found solace in reading books. Her hands were busy crafting various artworks with a special passion for sewing clothes, knitting, and crocheting afghan blankets that became treasured family heirlooms. In her youth, she was an active member of the St. Petri Ladies Aid. Phyllis' legacy will forever endure through the love she shared with others, her unwavering commitment to her family, and her creative and nurturing spirit.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Renae Franke, Thief River Falls, MN, Diane (Sam) Bartholomew, Fergus Falls, MN, and David (Sara) Visser, Gary, MN; 18 grandchildren: Ryan, Alex, Amber, Dillon, Sean, Trissten, Elissa, Liam, Daniel, Melanie, MacCraeus, Elenora, Henry, Peter, Collin, Beric, Seamus, and Susan; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and many extended family. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete; and brother, Dennis Diehl.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:00pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 2:00pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Burial will take place after the funeral service.