Phyllis Helen (Banitt) French

Phyllis French, 87, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Willows and Waters Senior Living.

Phyllis Helen Banitt was born July 15, 1933 in Red Wing, MN to Fred and Helen (Nelson) Banitt. She was raised on a farm in the Goodhue area where she began to kindle her life long love for sheep. Phyllis graduated from Zumbrota High School in and a few years later married Duane French in 1954. She was the bookkeeper for French’s Produce for many years where she worked alongside Duane. Phyllis loved cooking, fishing, summertime, and was a devoted member of the “Red Hat’s Club”. She enjoyed listening to Elvis and was very proud of her wide collection of joke books! Most importantly, Phyllis was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Duane (“Duke”); children, Debra (Darrell) Grenz of Rochester, Kathy (Jim) Steinlicht of Faribault, Doug (Angie) French of Alaska and Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Henry (Jamie) , Benn (Brooke), Dan (Chelsey), Laura (Matt), Mary (Aaron), Andrea (Alex), Amy (Nick), Chad (Ashley); sixteen great grandchildren; and many very special nephews and nieces.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Byron (Bobbi) and Ronald (Renie); nephew Stevie; brother-in-law Gene (Janice) French.

There will be a private funeral service for Phyllis at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 15 at Mahn Family Funeral Home – Larson Chapel in Zumbrota. Pastor Karen Foster will be officiating. Burial will follow at Zumbrota Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome and may be shared at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.