March 15, 1933 - February 7, 2026
Phyllis Olivia (Knutsen) Anderson, of Richfield, MN, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026 at the age of 92. She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Jeffrey) Bennett; son, Gregory Anderson; grandsons, David Bennett and John Bennett; and many nieces and nephews. She is Preceded in death by husband, Robert (Bob) Anderson; mother, Petra Fatland Knutsen; father, Ole Knutsen; sisters, Mildred Hanson, Marie Hanson, Pearl Hope, and Lois Falkey; and brothers, Harold Knutsen and Orville Knutsen.
Phyllis was born in Watertown, SD on March 15, 1933 and raised in Minneapolis. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and began working as a dental assistant and later as a receptionist at Dayton’s Looking Glass salon at Southdale. She and her mom traveled together to visit family, and she took a memorable trip to Hawaii. She married Bob in 1960, and they were active members of Woodlake Lutheran Church after they moved to Richfield. Phyllis volunteered with many organizations including Woodlake, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, and Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed traveling and the family took many memorable road trips. After Bob’s retirement, they were annual Florida ‘snowbirds’. Her strong faith was apparent to her family and friends. She was loving, generous and caring with a good sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Woodlake Lutheran Church.
Memorial Service
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
11:00 AM
Visitation 1-hr prior to service.
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 W. 76th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
Many fond memories of the laughter she and my mother Bea had together. She is a beautiful person
Hi Londa – thank you for your condolences and fond memories. Yes – they were such great friends.
So many wonderful memories of a truly beautiful person inside and out! As a little girl I loved when she would come to visit. She was always funny, joyful and loving. What a wonderful greeting she must have received in heaven!
Thank you Kim, we hold your family near and dear to our hearts as well as many happy memories of all of us together. Love Greg (Julie)
Also, so sorry for your loss as well. Your Mom was always a joy to be with. Such a sweet lady. God bless you
Julie and Greg, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Soooo many amazing memories. Her smile, laughter, and kind heart were contagious to everyone around her.
Thank you Eric, we miss her plenty. We know that you all are in the same boat. Patty was such a beautiful soul and so much fun to be with. You take care and God bless you all
Julie and Greg, Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy at this difficult time.
It was such a pleasure to work long term with both your Mom & Dad for 25+ years….we had such a personal, & trusting professional relationship and friendship. They were always genuinely interested in hearing about my children and life and my dancing, and they would also share about their lives. I also loved sharing openly about our personal faith in Jesus Christ and we often prayed together as well.
I loved your Mom’s sweet nature and her great smile and how cute they were together!
I will miss both of them.
May the Lord give you strength for each new day, and healing for your broken hearts.
Thank you Kay, you were a godsend to them. God bless you
I have so many great memories of aunt Phyllis. She had the best laugh and was always so joyful! Sorry I won’t be able to make her service but thinking of you all and wrapping you in love and prayers
Thank you Janna, it was a good service, everything went well. We miss her, but we know that she is with Jesus and what could be better than that?