Phyllis Merle Hauter

Phyllis Merle (Hansen) Hauter graced this world on October 29, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the cherished daughter of Gunnar and Mae Hansen. Phyllis was a beautiful baby according to all who met her, and she grew to be a beautiful woman who led an adventure filled life.

After graduating from Washburn High School in 1963, Phyllis embarked on a series of captivating adventures, some in the company of her best friend, Vicki. As a secretary at a Minneapolis bank, she brought her bold and fearless personality to the downtown scene, driving a baby blue Ford Falcon convertible. Phyllis was briefly lured to the skies and sought training as a flight attendant. Although she earned her wings in the TWA training program in the late 1960s, she did not ultimately become a flight attendant because the thought of possibly having to help a passenger deliver a baby mid-flight dissuaded her from the career path.

Undeterred by the aviation detour, Phyllis still found joy in accumulating flight miles, traveling throughout Europe multiple times, and even residing in the charming city of Amsterdam for a time. She lent her melodic voice to the all-female Christian band Living Water and actively participated in various programs with Bethany Ministry, in the Minneapolis area.

As a single mother, Phyllis pursued higher education at Moorhead State University and Concordia University, where she ultimately earned her degree in social work and graduated magma cum laude. Her professional journey included years as the development director for the Fargo Moorhead Symphony, where she cultivated lasting friendships and connections. While she led a successful and fulfilling life, Phyllis told everyone that her most treasured accomplishment was her daughter, Lauren

A dedicated volunteer, Phyllis contributed significantly to her church, Bethel Evangelical Free, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Her unwavering devotion to her faith was truly remarkable. Hungry for knowledge and eager to share the boundless love of God, she lived her life in a manner that continues to inspire others.

Phyllis will be incredibly missed, but she is undoubtedly smiling down on all of us, free from the limitations of Alzheimer’s. Although her last years were plagued by Alzheimer’s she beamed with joy every time her beloved grandson Jack entered the room. Phyllis loved Jack very much and was incredibly proud of him.

Remembering Phyllis with great love are her daughter Lauren and grandson Jack, as well as her sister Marguerite (Richard) Kellogg; brother Neil (Darlene) Hansen; brother Dale (Sandy) Hansen; sister Marilyn Hansen; and sister Darlene Bronder.

Her parents, Gunnar and Mary Jane Hansen; brother Bruce Hansen; and her beloved cousins Robert Norberg and Barbara Solberg, preceded her in death.

Memorial Service, 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home, Minneapolis with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will be following the service.

I am deeply grateful to Grace Hospice and everyone who walked through my mom’s door this past year to visit, play music, and be with her. Not every family has access to hospice care, and I wouldn’t have been able to provide this for my mom without the generosity of this incredible nonprofit program. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Phyllis’ honor to help other families like mine find support during similarly difficult and lonely times.

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