Phyllis was born on July 10, 1936, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Ervin and Genevieve (Drackley)Edwards. She was the second of three children raised on the family farm. She attended school in a nearby one-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1954.
Shortly after graduation, she married Durmont Harnack, and together they welcomed 4 children: Steven, David, Brenda, and Nancy. The family made their home outside of Revere, Minnesota, until Durmont’s life was tragically cut short by a farming accident in 1962.
In 1964, Phyllis found love again and married Thomas McConnell. They were blessed with two more children, Tom and Liz. Thomas lovingly adopted the older children, raising them all as his own. The family moved from Revere to Winona, and eventually settled in Hastings in 1972, where they built a lifetime of memories.
Phyllis was the beloved heart of her family, dedicating herself fully as a homemaker and later working for Hastings School District 200, where she had a fulfilling career of 25 years after her youngest started school. She cherished family vacations, traveling the country with tent or camper, and later driving road trips creating treasured memories along the way.
A gifted seamstress, Phyllis crafted everything from prom and wedding dresses to needlepoint creations, knitting, and ceramics. She enjoyed canning foods such as cherries, watermelon pickles, peaches, and beets. Phyllis deeply valued family gatherings around the table, believing strongly in the bond created through shared meals and homemade desserts. Known for her unconditional love, generosity, and warmth, she always put her family first, ready to give and do anything for her children and grandchildren.
Phyllis is lovingly survived by her children, Dave (Lynn) McConnell of Hastings, MN, Nancy (Dave) DesCombes of Morrison, CO, Tom McConnell of Balaton, MN, and Liz (Tom) Schiller of Hastings, MN; sixteen cherished grandchildren and seventeen beloved greatgrandchildren; sister, Shirley Anderson of Marshall, MN; brother, Robert (Yvette) of California; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Durmont Harnack and Thomas McConnell; infant daughter Brenda Harnack and son Steven McConnell; infant granddaughter Jennifer McConnell-Schiller and grandson Matthew McConnell.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In accordance with her wishes, no service will held at this time.
