Phyllis Darlene Donahue

Phyllis would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can't refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus: a reunion with her loving husband, Cy, family and dear friends she has not seen for a very long time. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, bowling, gardening, eating Three Musketeer bars, crocheting and reading until her heart's content. Music, laughter, love, perfect hair and nails are guaranteed. Food is delicious, and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed. Phyllis was called home on Sunday, October 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She had the blessing of celebrating 94 birthdays. The funeral service for Phyllis will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Pastor Mark Squire will be officiating. The visitation will be Friday, October 22 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar, Iowa as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. Phyllis was born to Abraham and Alma (Ramsey) Anderson on March 28, 1927. She was raised in the Albert Lea area and graduated from Albert Lea High School. Upon graduation, she attended beauty school in Fairmont, Minnesota and began her career in Owatonna, Minnesota, as a beautician. It was at this point that she met the love of her life, Cyril Donahue, on a blind date. After a beautiful two-year courtship, Phyllis and Cyril were married on March 6, 1949 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Phyllis loved her new life of farming with her husband. On the farm she learned to drive cars and tractors with the help of her loving husband. She eventually graduated to combining, cultivating and plowing to name a few. The farm was a busy life with dairy cows, beef cows, hogs, chickens, many acres of crop land and of course, gardening. There were many hours spent in the vegetable garden with her children during which she would have many conversations and teach them life lessons. Weeks were filled with laundry day, ironing day, cleaning day, and the best day was baking day. Baking day created treats of homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies, donuts, and delicious smells around the house. Phyllis also had a natural love of all animals. This included her many kitties and faithful dog companions, Peppy, Brownie and Snoopy. Over the years, Phyllis enjoyed volunteering with the church and in the community. She also enjoyed traveling and participating in National Bowling Tournaments with her husband, playing cards with friends, fishing trips with family, and numerous dancing evenings at the Terp Ballroom in Austin, Minnesota and the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Upon losing her husband in October of 1989, she continued to enjoy traveling with her many friends, partaking in coffee parties with her neighbors and enjoying the new sport of golf. There were many stories and beautiful memories made during this time in which she happily shared with her children. These are memories that her children will carry forward in their hearts forever. Phyllis's boundless energy, support of others, kindness, generous heart, caring nature, genuine enjoyment of life and endless hugs will be missed by those that knew and loved her. Phyllis feels her greatest legacy are her four children, David (Sheila) Donahue of Brownsdale, Minnesota; Bob (Audrey) Donahue of Grafton, Iowa; Kathleen (Heath Hegna and the late Jeff Zelinske) of Hayfield, Minnesota; and Barbara (Terry) Johnson of Kasson, Minnesota, along with sixteen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband (Cyril Donahue), her parents (Abraham and Alma Anderson), her brother (Russell Anderson), son-in-law (Jeff Zelinske), and grandson (Kit Zelinske). We deeply appreciate the many friends and neighbors who helped her throughout the years. Phyllis's family, friends and community members contributed so much to the fulfilment of her life and she cherished each and every one of them. Blessed be her memory.