Phyllis Doris Olsen (Dahl)
November 9, 2020

Olsen (Dahl), Phyllis D. Of Minneapolis, passed away Monday, November 9th surrounded by family. She was 96 years old.

Phyllis Doris Olsen was born on November 23, 1923 in Bricelyn, MN on the family farm to Edwin and Hannah (Olson) Dahl. This area is where she attended the elementary grades in a one room schoolhouse. She had two brothers, Edwin Jr. and Warren. Her family moved to Wells, MN where she graduated from Wells High School with the class of 1942.

In 1943 her family moved to Minneapolis where she worked for The Office of Naval Ordinance, U.S. Navy at Northern Pump. On December 31st, 1945 she married Clifford E. Olsen in Alden Minnesota. Here they began farming and had two children, David (Andrea) and Diane.

In 1951 they moved to Minneapolis, MN. She was predominantly a mother and homemaker, however, she worked from the home as a financial secretary for a CPA and trucking firm. For a few years during the Christmas season she would sort mail for the post office. In 1960 she began working at a Donut Shop close to home. The early morning hours allowed for her to both work and raise the children. In 1978 she began working as a Safe Deposit Manager at First Bank on Lake Street. She retired from the bank in 1988.

After retirement Phyllis was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as a council member, a member of the quilters and was active in Circle. She became a member of Minnehaha Communion when Our Redeemer dissolved and was still a member when she died. In her free time, she also truly enjoyed her card groups and would get together weekly to play Rummy Royal and 500. In her 90’s the many friends she kept in contact with on the phone kept her connected, despite being less able to be involved in the community. She lived in Minneapolis for 68 years until she reluctantly sold her home in February of 2020 when she moved in with her daughter in Independence, MN.

Phyllis had 3 Grandchildren; Russell (Rebecca) Olsen, Sonja Wahl, and Michael (Aimee) Anderson. She was also lucky enough to be blessed with 6 Great Grandchildren; Alex Olsen, Brynn, Mya and Hatty Wahl, Peyton and Teagan Anderson, who brought enjoyment and spark into her life.

A private visitation and funeral for her family was held on Tuesday, November 17th at Minnehaha Communion Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Interment followed at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Minnehaha Communion Lutheran Church.