Phyllisann Elling

Obituary

Phyllisann (Lippert) Elling was born on September 11, 1926, in Olivia, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Edward and Rose (Kral) Lippert. Phyllisann was baptized and later confirmed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia, Minnesota.

Phyllisann grew up in a large family in rural Minnesota during the Great Depression. She developed deep and lasting relationships with her brothers and sisters and remained close to them throughout her life. She graduated from Olivia High School in 1944 and Teacher Training at Stevens Seminary in Glencoe, Minnesota in 1945. She also completed continuing education courses at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

On June 24, 1948, Phyllisann was united in marriage to Orville “Hap” Ellling at St. Aloysius. Phyllisann and Hap made their home in Hector. In 1968, they moved their family to Glencoe. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Gary, Mary Kay, Dean and John. Phyllisann and Hap shared over 65 years of marriage until Hap passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Phyllisann enjoyed a career as a teacher. She began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse (that had no electricity!) in Brookfield Township in Renville County. She also held teaching positions in Bird Island, Hector, and Glencoe Public Schools, and at St. Pius X School in Glencoe. She was a faithful member of St. George Catholic Church in Glencoe.

Caring for her family, combined with a full-time teaching career, left Phyllisann with little time for personal hobbies. Throughout her life she made countless sacrifices so that her children would not be denied opportunities. She helped each of her children by always being there to listen to their concerns, worries, and needs. At Phyllisann’s kitchen table her children were given the gift of her undivided attention and deep understanding.

Phyllisann will always be remembered for her delicious family dinners. They always included large bowlfuls of mashed potatoes, platters of different meats, and a variety of vegetables from Hap’s garden. Following the meal would be an endless supply of homemade cookies, cakes, apple crisp, rice pudding and rhubarb desserts.

In later years Phyllisann enjoyed spending time with Hap at their retirement home in Arizona. Whether in Arizona or Minnesota, her kitchen table was the gathering place for many friends and family. She cherished time spent with family and friends.

Phyllisann passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center in Burnsville, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 22 days. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Blessed be her memory.

Phyllisann is survived by her:
Daughter, Mary Kay Elling and her husband, William Graham, of Apple Valley, MN;
Sons, Gary Elling and his wife, Mary, of Maple Plain, MN,
Dean Elling and his wife, Mariko, of Burnsville, MN,
John Elling and his wife, Kathy, of Prior Lake, MN;
Grandchildren, Elizabeth Elling, Caroline Elling, Tom Elling, Anna Elling, Max Elling;
Nephews, Nieces, Other relatives and many friends.

Phyllisann was preceded in death by her Parents, Edward and Rose Lippert; Husband, Orville “Hap” Elling.