Phyllis Ann Kurre

Mass of Christian Burial for Phyllis Kurre, of Milaca, will be held at 11 AM St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 with Fr. Jim Remmerswaal, OSC presiding. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Honor guard will be provided by the American Legion Auxiliary, Hanson-Hayes Post #178.  Pallbearers include Thomas Sauer, Jim Bergen, Brad Bergen, Lonnie Olson and Grant Kurre.  

Phyllis Kurre went to be with her Lord at 4:20 AM on January 12, 2018 at the Heritage of Foley Nursing Center in Foley, MN. She was 86 years old at the time of her passing.

Phyllis was born on January 27, 1931 in Fort Wayne, IN to Thomas and Helen (Nast) DeZiel.  She spent most of her life in or near the Milaca, MN area and graduated from Milaca High School.  She married Albert Kurre on June 6, 1953 at the Church of St. Anthony in St. Cloud, MN.  Albert and Phyllis were founding members at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milaca, where Phyllis remained active through her entire life.  She began her work life as a bank teller at First National Bank of Milaca.  She moved on to become the bookkeeper at the Pyrofax L.P. Gas Company in Milaca and eventually was promoted to manager at Northwest L.P. Gas Company at a time when few women were given leadership opportunities in the work force.  

Post retirement Phyllis was active in many charities and community organizations such as the Blood Mobile, Breast Cancer Society, Milaca Historical Museum, American Legion Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and in the Milaca Public School system as a greeter.  

Phyllis’ love of music and dance was evident as she entertained children and guests with her polka music and “dancing flower”. She then became a fixture at the Northbound Antique shop in Pease for many years.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Michael (Kate Henehan) and Adrian (Tammy) Kurre; brother-in-law, Jack White; her grandchildren, Nicole, Maddox, Matthew and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Albert, parents, Thomas and Helen (Nast) DeZiel and her beloved sister, Joan (Deziel) White.