Phyllis Dorschner, 85, Kasson

Phyllis Eileen (Shumski) Dorschner, 85, was welcomed to heaven Jan. 7, 2017. Phyllis passed on as she had lived, with courage and grace. Her final days were spent surrounded by family at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, Minn., where she lived briefly following a leukemia diagnosis. 
Phyllis was born to Martin and Agnes Shumski Feb. 26, 1931 in Fairmont, Minn. She grew up on the Shumski family farm near East Chain, Minn., with six sisters and two brothers. Following Phyllis’ graduation from East Chain High School in 1948, she went on to obtain an associate degree in education from Mankato State University. She briefly taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She married Marvin Dorschner Aug. 22, 1951. Soon after, they made their home on a farm near Kasson, Minn. In the years to come, they filled their house with three sons and two daughters.
Phyllis spent 23 years working in the K-M school district as a librarian assistant. She was proud to volunteer at the library until the fall of 2016. Phyllis was a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Family in Kasson, where she was actively involved in the prayer group, quilt group and New Comers. Phyllis participated in card clubs, water aerobics, and the Red Hat Society, and she always made time to have coffee with friends.
Phyllis’ greatest life accomplishment was her family, of which she was immensely proud. Her mindful spending habits were legendary. When it came to material things, not a single penny went to waste. Yet she was always very generous to missions, local charities and any life experiences with loved ones. Phyllis enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and attending the games, activities and programs of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also loved to travel and would often share stories and photographs of her various trips. Phyllis never slowed down and she retained her sense of adventure until the very end. 
Phyllis is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Children and grandchildren include: Alan and Lois Dorschner (Tia, Jason, Drew, Cassie) of Kasson, Judy and Mike Pearson (Karen, Kevin) of Anchorage, Alaska, Connie and Bruce Ferris (Brian, Keith, Kristin) of Osakis, Minn., Gary and Lisa Dorschner (Curt, DeJay, Meghan) of Kasson, and Dennis and Jody Dorschner (Alexis, Jevin) of La Crescent, Minn. Also surviving is one sister, LeAnna Adams, and one brother, Eugene Shumski.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Adeline Fausch, infant sister Millicent Shumski, Virginia Krumholz, Shirley Terveer, and Annabelle Smith; and one brother, Jerome Shumski.
Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Church of the Holy Family in Kasson with Father Paul Surprenant officiating. Interment was at St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Mantorville, Minn. The family prefers donations in the memory of Phyllis to Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home and the Eagles Cancer Telethon.
Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Kasson was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.