Phyllis Kay Buzzard

Phyllis Kay Buzzard, age 85, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin. She was born June 28, 1940, to Olaf and Maxine Hanson, and was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1958.

Phyllis worked as a nurse’s aide, home health aide, and later for the Mower Council for the Handicap. She loved Scrabble, Bingo, casino trips, UNO with friends at the nursing home, and hosting her annual 4th of July party. She cherished time with her kids and grandkids, especially family trips up north. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren many card games, including poker.

She had a deep love of music, often making up her own lyrics, and occasionally played violin with her sisters. She enjoyed gatherings with her sisters, “the Coven” for themed parties and was known for her humor, sarcasm, and signature eye‑roll. She loved watching the squirrels—Chubby and Little Tail—and the birds eating peanuts outside her window at St. Mark’s.

Phyllis will be deeply missed by all.

Survivors include her children, Tammy Lohrmann of Austin, MN, Phillip (Tina) Buzzard of Waseca, MN, Natalie Plumley of Owatonna, MN, and Arlene (Allen) Engel of Columbia Heights, MN; grandchildren, Todd (Maissa) Hickey, Bridget Hickey, Alan (Alissa) Buzzard, Ashley (Peder) Theiste, Andrew Buzzard, Amanda Buzzard, Phillip Buzzard, Timothy (Lynette) Schmidt, Christopher (Jeni) Schmidt, Chad (Danielle) Plumley, Chase Plumley, Joseph (Carissa) Engel, and Jesse (Bryanna) Engel; 26 great‑grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie Barnett, Janet Farrell, Sylvia (Ken) Davis, Wendy (Ken) Larson, Candy Mathison, and Valorie (Ron) Johnson; along with many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Maxine Hanson; son, Gary Buzzard; son‑in‑law, Larry Plumley; granddaughter, Cassandra Schmidt; brothers, Harlan and Brian Hanson; nephews, Curtis Barnett and Derek Larson; and her longtime companion, Gordon.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Mark’s Living and St. Croix Hospice.

A memorial service for Phyllis will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. A luncheon will follow the interment at the Mapleview Community Hall, 101 Maple Ave., Austin, MN 55912. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.