Phyllis M. (Jerstad) Hanson, the only child of Louise and Gilbert Jerstad of Binford , ND was born on July 10, 1921 at the Paulsrud family farm near Binford. Phyllis grew up in Binford and graduated from Binford High School . Always an avid dancer and roller skater, Phyllis spent lots of her free time at Red Willow Lake Resort, and it was there that she met her future husband, Obert Hanson. On June 29 th , 1941 Plyllis married Obert, and moved with him to the Hanson family farm near Kloten where they tilled the land and raised their five children; Gary, Dick, Don, Becky and Vickie.

As members of the Kloten community both Phyllis and Obert were very involved in organizations. Phyllis belonged to the Kloten PTA and the Kloten Thimble Club, a very active fund-raising organization which supported the Kloten School . She and Obert were also involved in 4-H for many years. Phyllis and Obert were both avid sports fans, attending countless ball games, never missing a game in which their own children or grandchildren were involved.

Phyllis was known far and wide for being a marvelous cook and baker. Doughnuts, mocha bars and Norwegian goodies were her specialties. Her home was always open to everyone, and her coffee pot was always on (plus just a little lunch!) She was a wonderful, gracious and hospitable hostess who truly enjoyed entertaining and socializing. She loved being surrounded by family and friends, and always made everyone feel welcome.

Phyllis especially loved children. She never lost patience nor did she tire of all the noise and commotion of her big family; rather, she seemed to thrive on it. She epitomized the best of the words mother and grandmother, as all of her family would attest.

Phyllis was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Our Savior's WELCA, serving a few years as a Sunday school teacher and board member in WELCA. Phyllis's deep and abiding faith sustained her throughout her life and she instilled that faith in all of her children. Her Bible was always close by.

Besides her love of family, friends and the lake, Phyllis enjoyed cooking, baking, and embroidery. Her children and all of her grandchildren have received at least one set of her beautifully sewn dish towels, each one stitched with love and pressed to perfection.

Phyllis was always very proud of her Norwegian heritage. In 1999, she took her remaining four children and their spouses on a trip of a lifetime to Norway . Her generous spirit enabled her family to enjoy this experience with her.

Phyllis and Obert resided on the family farm until 1979 when they moved to their new home on Lee Street in McVille. Obert died in 1997, and Phyllis remained in her home until her health declined in 2006. She became a resident of the Nelson County Care Center in McVille in July of 2007. Phyllis passed away at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks on July 21, 2011 at the age of 90 years and 11 days.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Obert, sons Donald and Gary.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include a son Richard (Myrna) Hanson of McVille; two daughters Becky (Jim) Verwey of Valley City and Vickie (Rod) Howell of Grand Forks; daughters-in-law Bonnie Hanson (Dean Yantes) of Grafton, ND and Cheryl (Jerry) Oldham of Mesa, AZ; 13 grandchildren Brian (Ranell) Hanson, Jeffrey (Amanda) Hanson, Kimberly (Devin) Droog, Randall (Carma) Hanson, Dane (Wendy) Hanson, Donald (Kirsten) Hanson, Nicole Hanson, Bethany (Mike) Kobbervig, Kelly (Brent) Everson, Scott (Amie) Howell, Brandon Howell, Tami (Dan) Funk and Tonya Howell; 25 great grandchildren Stephanie, Paige, Jaden, Jillian & Cole Hanson, Jakeb & Mickenzy Hanson, Garek, Landon, Alaina & Klyer Droog, Alexis & Erik Hanson, Jack, Sam & Elli Hanson, Olivia Hanson, Max, Sam & Abby Phyllis Kobbervig, Alex, Jack & Will Everson, Jordan & Peyton Funk.

Funeral services for Phyllis will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 10:30 AM in Our Savior's Lutheran Church of rural Kloten , ND . Officiating will be Reverend Jessica Merchant. Organist will be Mary Lou Krogh. Visitation will be Monday, July 25, 2011 from 2 PM to 5 PM in the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home followed by a 7 PM prayer service in Our Savior's Lutheran Church of rural Kloten. Interment will be in Our Savior's Church Cemetery . Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home of McVille , ND .