Phyllis Mussell

Phyllis Mussell, 99, of Utica, went home to be with her Savior on April 7, 2026. Born on September 10, 1926, in Elba, MN, she was the daughter of Albert and Anna (Putzier) Kurth. Phyllis graduated from St. Charles High School and on March 5, 1946, Phyllis married her beloved husband Marvin John Mussell.

Phyllis worked at Waters Conley Co. in Rochester, MN, but her true passion lay in farming, growing flowers, and gardening. Her green thumb was matched by her artistic talents. She loved to draw and share her culinary creations, ensuring that no one ever left her home empty-handed.

Phyllis was known for her adventurous spirit, especially when it came to traveling. She cherished her trips to Hawaii and Washington, D.C. She also liked fishing, and showing off her humorous, tough side as she navigated life with a fast-driving style, even while sitting on phone books to see over the steering wheel!

Phyllis was also a devoted pet lover, and her home always welcomed grandchildren with a candy dish filled with Starburst and lemon drops. Phyllis had a wonderful taste in fashion and was always impeccably put together, a true reflection of her vibrant personality.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Elroy) Lang;

Grandchildren, Nadeen (Larry) DeRooy, Gail (Brett) Rima, Pamela Lang, Darren (Stacy) Lang, Amy (Jason) Moen, Erin (Robert) Mueller, Bonnie (Jesse) Bork, Tony (Cassie) Lang, Peggy (Dustin) DePestel;

Great-Grandchildren, Cindy (Brandon) Smith, Jennifer Rose, Jonathan Rose, Samuel (Tatia) Rose, Erik (Brittany) Rima, Wendy (Dylan) Berkey, Aaron Rima, Brittani Schreiber, Lucas Schreiber, Veronika Woltjer, Tucker (Elizabeth) Clobes, Desiree Clobes, Madysen (Kaden) Griffin, Draven Lang, Ozzie Moen, Magnus Moen, Amerie (Mason) Sharpe, Garrett Mueller, Brynn Mueller, Alayney Mueller, Tessa Mueller, Huxley Mueller, Gwendolyn Bork, Natalie Bork, Declan Bork, Letty Bork, Clara Lang, Jasper DePestel, Desmond DePestel, Thomas DePestel, Bruce DePestel;

Great-Great-Grandchildren, Dillion Smith, Beau Smith, Khloe Smith, Miles Rose, Jackson Rima, Nicholas Rima, Eloise Rima, Matthew Rima, Scarlett Berkey, Asher Berkey, Knox Hill, Hartlee Hill, and Benjamin Sharpe.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Mussell; parents, Albert and Anna Kurth; siblings, Marvin (Dorothy) Kurth, Raymond Kurth, Howard (Harriet) Kurth, Leora (Ervin) Matzke; siblings-in-law, Earl (Carmen) Mussell, Evelyn (Ted) Motschke; and many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Viewing for Phyllis will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Hoff Funeral Home in Lewiston, MN from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Services will take place at Norton Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11am with visitation starting at 10am. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Norton Trinity Cemetery.