Phyllis Arlene Lastine

Phyllis Lastine, age 90, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family by her side Sunday, April 14, 2024, at South Grove Lodge in Austin, Minnesota. Phyllis Arlene Nagel was born on October 19, 1933, in Mason City, Iowa to Ernest and Ella (Gerdes) Nagel. She graduated from Austin High School in 1951. Later that year on September 2, 1951, she married Gaylen Lastine at First Baptist Church in Austin; they needed signature parental approval to get married because they were so young. Their marriage was blessed with four children. Phyllis held various positions throughout the years including being an Avon representative, secretary to the Republican Party in Wausau, Wisconsin, secretary to the principal at a private school and secretary and accounting at Nevermar Company. Phyllis was a great mother, she loved to sew clothing for Cathy while she was growing up. Phyllis even handmade Cathy’s wedding dress. Later in life she learned how to quilt, she even had a quilt get grand champion at the Mower County Fair and it went to the Minnesota State Fair where it was judged and received fourth place. Gaylen and Phyllis loved to travel as a family, they went to Disney World, Disney Land and on many camping trips. They traveled to England, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, an Alaskan cruise, and a land and sea trip to Hawaii. Phyllis’s love for dogs knew no bounds. Over the years, she and Gaylen welcomed numerous dogs into their home, including those rescued from the Humane Society. She also loved hand designing ornaments, canvas painting and folk art painting her kitchen cupboards. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Sons of Norway, and a Awana Director for over 30 years. Phyllis will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years Gaylen Lastine; three children, Bryce (Dolly) Lastine of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Cathy (Gary) Johnson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Scott (Jean) Lastine of Edina, Minnesota; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ella Nagel; son, Tim Lastine; sister, Betty (Ray) Gillson; and brother, Robert (Orinne) Nagel.