Phyllis Jean Green

Phyllis Jean Green

June 21, 1934 – May 18, 2023

Phyllis Jean Green, 88, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed peacefully Thursday, May 18, 2023, in her home surrounded by her five loving children and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Phyllis was born on June 21, 1934, the daughter of Melvin and Tillie Carlson in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  She was raised in Thief River Falls and graduated from high school in 1951.  Phyllis married the love of her life, Donald William Green, on November 29,1952. During Don’s time in his military service to our country, he was deployed to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland and then to Malmstrom Airforce Base in Great Falls, Montana. While in Greenland Don proposed to Phyllis by mailing her an engagement ring while she was still living in Thief River Falls. Shortly after completing his service, Don attended Concordia College and both Don and Phyllis began their life together in the married couples living quarters on campus, known as the “Quonsets”. 

Phyllis and Don had their first child, Paulette, while living on campus. Shortly after Don’s graduation they moved to Minneapolis where twin daughters Beth and Sue were born.  Don and Phyllis soon returned to Moorhead, MN, and expanded their family with the birth of the boys, Scott and John. In 1967, the family moved to Fargo, ND, where the five children were raised through their formative years and graduated from Fargo South High School.

Phyllis dedicated much of her life to raising their five children and spent countless hours getting the children ready for school, making meals for all, and getting the kids to their numerous activities. In addition to caring for the family, Phyllis held employment positions including inventory at Scheels Hardware in Fargo and ultimately working at Woodrow Wilson School for many years supporting special needs children.  Upon her retirement, she continued participating in several volunteer activities including Meals on Wheels, styling hair at local nursing homes and being active in her church. 

Phyllis and Don enjoyed their routine fishing trips to Molson Lodge in Canada, taking trips with Don’s brother, Paul, and his wife Glorian who was also Phyllis’ best friend from 3rd grade.  Post Don’s retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Lake Havasu, AZ. and continuing their travels with family and many friends.  

Phyllis loved her family dearly and enjoyed sharing stories of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was an avid bridge player and played for decades.  Every day Phyllis lived her life through faith, grace, kindness, and compassion for others. 

Phyllis is survived by her three daughters, Paulette Sauvageau and her fiancé Cliff Tengesdal of Fargo, ND, Beth (Paul) Moe of Star, Idaho, Sue (Brad) Johnk of Page, ND; two sons, Scott (Judy) Green of Detroit Lakes, MN, John (Kim) Green of Detroit Lakes, MN; twelve grandchildren, Chad (Tricia) Sauvageau, Christy (Jake) Forward, Heidi (Greg) Mattern; John Moe, Adrienne (Greg) Williams, Aaron (Molly) Monson, Lynnsey (Brody) Clarke, Logan Johnk, Benjamin (Diva) Green, Allison (Matthew) Riopelle, William and Jake Green; fourteen great grandchildren with one more on the way; Maren, Garret, Kade, Kiara, Kole, Mariah, Kaia, Oliver, Bear, Bo, Xander, Odin, Gabby and Henry; one sister, Mary Carlson of Cass Lake, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Don.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Lakes Crisis Center in Detroit Lakes, MN.