Phyllis Grabow

Phyllis Lysaker Grabow, 89, of Hawley, MN died Friday, June 2nd at Bethany Transitional Care in Fargo ND.

Phyllis was born on July 1st, 1927 in Twin Valley, MN to George and Clara Nelson Lysaker. She grew up in Twin Valley, MN and graduated from Twin Valley High School. Phyllis enjoyed sewing and sewed many of her own clothes. She also enjoyed playing the piano. Phyllis graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN in Business/Education. She taught in many schools including Anoka-Hennepin School District.

On April 11th, 1959, she married Wilmar A. Grabow at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. They lived in Coon Rapids, MN and began to raise a family. In 1966, they moved to Hawley, MN where they purchased Wahl Drug, a business that they owned and operated for 50 years. In 1982, Phyllis opened the “Gift Shop” in the lower level of the store that she ran for many years, where she enjoyed talking with the customers.

Phyllis’ greatest joy was her family. Together they raised and deeply loved their three daughters and four granddaughters. She described her family as “close-knit” and Scandinavian. She was loved by her community. She also had a love of antiques, art and music.

She will be greatly missed by many.

Phyllis is survived by her three daughters , Lysa Swanson, Eden Prairie, MN, Sue Jeff Rockwell, Lakeville, MN, Sarah Roy Kieffer, Fargo, ND, four granddaughters, Alyssa Rockwell, Sarah Anne Swanson, Lauren Rockwell and Elizabeth Kieffer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wilmar Grabow, parents George and Clara Lysaker, and brother Gene Lysaker.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00pm at the Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.
Funeral: Thursday, June 8th, 2017 at 2:00pm at Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN. Interment will be in the church cemetery.