Phyllis Ruth Olson

Phyllis Ruth Olson, age 84, of Mankato, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato. All are invited to gather for a reception following the service. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Phyllis was born on December 27, 1940 in Hubbard, IA to Matthew and Ruth (Looft) Munson. As a child, Phyllis had such a sweet, angelic personality, which remained with her until her final breath. She enjoyed school projects and was drawn to interacting with and serving children her entire life. After graduating from Balaton High School in 1958, she attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1962. Phyllis married her college sweetheart, Paul Olson on June 23, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN. Phyllis’ teaching career spanned over three decades: 4th grade (Golden, CO), 4th grade (Sioux City, IA), Small World Preschool (Madelia, MN), 5C’s Preschool (Mankato, MN), and was also a Sales Representative for Discovery Toys. Phyllis enjoyed sewing and quilting, traveling, camping, and lefse making. She loved any activity or celebration with family and connecting with friends. Her greatest pride and achievement in life was being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of PEO, Christ the King Lutheran Church Bell Choir, and Sons of Norway.

Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband of 62 loving years, Paul of Mankato; daughters, Kaari (Scott) Frondal and Kristin (Todd) Johnson; daughter-in-law, Jen Olson; grandchildren, Kayla (Matthew) Ellison, Jenna (An) Huynh, Erik Johnson, Kaia Johnson, Jonah Olson, and Gavin Olson; five great-grandchildren, RaeLynn Dischinger, Nova Dischinger, Scarlett Ellison, Madison Ellison, and Willoughby Huynh; brother, Sidney Munson; nieces and nephews, Paul Munson, Brad Fundingsland, Sue Varecka, Sara du Bouchet, Matthew Munson, and Kirsten Corcoran. She was preceded in death by parents, Matthew and Ruth (Looft) Munson; son, Troy Olson; grandson, Richard (Ricky) Kothenbeutel; brothers, James (Jim) Munson and Douglas (Doug) Munson; sister, Janice (Jan) Fundingsland; and parents-in-law, Harold and Verna (Rear) Olson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Iheasirim, Dr. Rudder, the staff at the Mayo Andreas Cancer Center (Mankato), and the staff at St. Croix Hospice (Mankato) for the wonderful care they provided.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.