Phyllis Marian Hartzell

Phyllis Marian Hartzell, 90, of Lone Tree, Colorado, formerly of Benson, Minnesota passed away November 12, 2025.

Born July 23, 1935, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Harold and Verna Johnson, Phyllis grew up in Russell, Minnesota, where she developed the values of hard work, faith, and caring for others that would define the rest of her life. She graduated from Russell High School in 1953 and went on to complete her training at Swedish Nursing School in 1956.

Phyllis worked as a registered nurse in Minneapolis, Red Wing, and Benson, Minnesota, devoting her career to helping others. Even after her nursing years, she continued serving her community through hospice work and Meals on Wheels. December 3, 1960, she married Richard Hartzell. After Richard’s passing in 1981, Phyllis stepped forward to run his office supply and printing business, continuing his work while raising her family with strength and quiet determination.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Benson, where she shared her love of music by playing the piano and organ and singing with The Choraliers. Phyllis lived her faith through service and quiet devotion. She was known throughout the community for her kindness, her willingness to help anyone in need, her love of music, and the steady faith she lived out every day. Many will remember her warm smile, gentle spirit, and devotion to family and community.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hartzell, and her daughter, Karin Hartzell, in 2016. She is survived by her daughters, Kristin Murphy (Michael) and Kim Edmond (Damon); five grandchildren: Grace, Anna, and Colin Murphy, and Jackson and Julia Edmond; and Rhonda Fennell (Steve), a close family friend who was like an adopted daughter.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Benson. Burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.