Obituary of Phyllis Hass

Phyllis J. Hass, 90, of Crown passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East in Cambridge. Phyllis Jean nee Swanson Hass was born November 19, 1923 to William Swanson and Margaret nee Kilmartin Swanson of Zimmerman, MN. She was the youngest of six children. Phyllis graduated from Elk River High School and attended the Minnesota School of Business. Phyllis worked for one year as secretary to the president of American Linen Co. before she was required to move back to help her mother and brother in the family store: Swanson Mercantile in Zimmerman. Although Phyllis proclaimed she would never marry a farmer, she did. Phyllis married Gordon Hass on December 1, 1945 at Zion of Crown. Phyllis was baptized May 26, 1932 and confirmed into the LCMS church on November 30, 1946. Phyllis' marriage was blessed with six children. The children were raised to have God as their #1 priority. Phyllis and Gordon never forgot to have Jesus bless their meals. Phyllis learned how to cook and bake after her marriage (as she worked in the store during her years in Zimmerman). Phyllis turned into a great cook and better baker—especially pies and cookies. Phyllis canned and preserved fruits and veggies her entire marriage—even in the fall of 2013. Phyllis (and Gordon) had a very active social life and enjoyed people - especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis (and Gordon) spent countless hours watching different sports at different venues and on television. Phyllis (not Gordon) enjoyed the casino. She loved entertaining in her home. Her home with the meeting place for relatives on the Hass and Swanson sides of the family. Phyllis always seemed to be chilly and always dressed fashionably. She "loved Christmas" and her home at Christmastime reflected her love of the Christmas season. For many years, Phyllis would make wreaths at Nelson Nursery so she could indulge her family with gifts on Christmas. Phyllis had many long-time and newly acquired friends and made every attempt to make visitors of Zion welcome. She was an active member of Zion and strong supporter of Crown Christian School. Phyllis (Wife, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Friend) will be greatly missed. She was pre-deceased by daughter, Donna, and Granddaughter Baby Girl Hass. She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of 68 years; children: Carol (Leon) Bray, Butch (Mary) Hass, Rick (Nancy) Hass, Larry (Mary) Hass and Joni (Ron) Sundeen, son-in-law, Mike Stephan, 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 10 step- great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Gertrude (Bob) Wood, nieces, nephews and many friends.