September 28, 1927 – April 9, 2021

A memorial service for Phyllis Krosschell, 93, of Edgerton was held Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church, Edgerton, with Rev. Scott Muilenburg officiating. Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton.

Music was provided by organist Carla Elgersma and the congregation singing Blessed Assurance, How Great Thou Art, and Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

Pallbearers were Chris Richards, Jeff Krosschell, Justin Krosschell, Steve Hale, Todd Paben, Tyler Klyn, Evan Geels, Brian Krosschell, Jim Fousek, Joe Lawson, and Doug Rolfes.

Phyllis Krosschell was born on a farm near Edgerton on September 28, 1927, to Conrad and Ella (Hofkamp) Schelhaas. She was the oldest of the family and grew up with her four siblings on the farm. She attended a rural country school, graduating from the 8th grade. She worked at several local cafes.

The love of Phyllis’ life was Evert. What began as a friendship through school turned into writing letters back and forth as Evert left to serve in World War II, stationed in Okinawa. Their love developed through the letters and turned into a courtship that resulted in Evert proposing upon his return to Minnesota. Phyllis treasured those letters and saved every one she received. They were united in marriage on February 4, 1949, and enjoyed 69 years together. She loved the single red rose Evert brought her each year on their anniversary. Their union was blessed with five children.

Phyllis loved being a mother and homemaker. She enjoyed baking, embroidery, sewing, crocheting, and crafting. She attended First Christian Reformed Church and participated in their women’s Bible study. Phyllis was an avid bowler, participating in a women’s league, couples’ bowling league, and even in the national bowling tournament. She holds the women’s record at the Edgerton Bowling Alley with a score of 289. She loved a hot cup of coffee and often sipped at the table while watching birds at the feeder. If the Minnesota Twins were playing, she was watching or listening. She became a resident of Edgebrook Care Center in 2016.

Phyllis was full of spunk and not afraid to speak her mind. Her zest for life, honesty, and quick wit leaves her family laughing at “grandma quotes” to this day. For example, in her final days, she responded to questions about how she was feeling by answering “with my fingers,” as a glint filled her eye and a smirk crossed her face. But at the root of all that humor and sass was a deep love for her Savior, husband, family, and friends. She was always ready to answer a phone call and created time and space for those she loved. She loved visits from her family, always served sweet pickles with the meal, and sent her grandchildren out the door with Twizzlers in hand. She was lovingly known to all her grandchildren as “Grandma Snazzy.”

On April 9, 2021, Phyllis died at Edgebrook Care Center at the age of 93.

Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her five children: Gene (Brenda) Krosschell of Morris, Minnesota, Rod (Marcia) Krosschell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kel Krosschell (Laurel) of Chatfield, Minnesota, Kevin (Kelly) Krosschell of Cape Coral, Florida, and Starla (Greg) Geels of Sheldon, Iowa; grandchildren, Joe (Jane) Lawson, Amy (Chris) Richards, Jeff (Marisa) Krosschell, Melissa (Doug) Rolfes, Mindy Marcus, Justin (Addie) Krosschell, Brian (Sarah) Krosschell, Terri (Brad) Garrett, Stacy (Jim) Fousek, Jenna (Steve) Hale, Amanda (Todd) Paben, Lindsey (Tyler) Klyn, Evan (Hannah) Geels: 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Hazel Prins, and sisters-in-law, Reona Schelhaas, Vi Schelhaas, Alice Krosschell, Berdina Van Ginkle, Ellen Wynia, Madeline Sharkey, Clarice Krosschell, and Donna Ten Cate; other family and friends. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Evert; parents, Conrad and Ella Schelhaas; three brothers, Ed, Bert, and Glenn; and a grandson, Joshua Lawson.