Phyllis Matilda Latusek, 90, of Minnesota, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minnesota Lake. The Rev. Eugene Stenzel will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday immediately before the service at the church. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are with Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home.
Phyllis was born June 2, 1918, in Walnut Lake Township, the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Burger) Gaines. On Oct. 28, 1936, she married Harvey Latusek in Minnesota Lake. The two were married for 50 years before Harvey’s death in 1986. Together they farmed and raised their eight children on the family farm outside of Minnesota Lake.
Phyllis enjoyed flowers and gardening. She enjoyed canning and baking and spoiling her grandchildren with their favorite treats. She was an excellent host and loved to cook for and feed her family and friends. She sewed, quilted, and embroidered. Her memory was sharp; she never forgot the birthday, anniversary, or other important dates for her family and friends, and always sent a card on these occasions. She was an avid garage-saler, and could always spot a bargain. She loved life and her dog Buddy.
Phyllis Latusek is survived by her children: Janice (Louis) Klocek of Dresser, Wis., LaDonna Traynor of Delavan, Mary Ann (Marvin) Wilder of Albert Lea, Harlan “Butch” (Julie) Latusek of Wells, Barb Utzka of Blue Earth, Arlene (Dale) Harpestad of Wells, Denise (Rick) Sabin of Frost, Paul (Lani) Latusek of Minnesota Lake; 31 grandchildren; 56 great- grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Alvin Gaines of Albert Lea, and special friend, Viola.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, and eight brothers and sisters.