Phyllis Kinsella, our family matriarch, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and sister on January 5, 2020, at the age of 76.
A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, at Mandan United Methodist Church with Rev. Bruce Adams officiating. The burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Phyllis was born on January 26, 1943, to Willie O. and Adella (Nagel) Wetzel in Hebron. From Hebron, Phyllis and her family moved to a farm northeast of Glen Ullin. While living on the family farm, Phyllis gained a strong work ethic, which remained with her throughout her life.
In 1963, Phyllis married the love of her life, Harold Kinsella, in Glen Ullin. Together they lived in Tacoma, Wash., while Harold served in the Army. After Harold was honorably discharged, they moved to Mandan, Becker, Minn., and Big Lake, Minn. In 1969, they returned to Mandan to raise their children and permanently plant their roots.
Phyllis was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved spending time with family, and one of her greatest joys was watching her grandchildren grow up. Phyllis had a wild sense of humor and enjoyed sharing jokes and laughter. She continued to share her smile and laugh into her final days. When she was not caring for those around her, Phyllis also enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, reading, watching game shows, and playing the slot machines.
She is survived by her children, Daniel Kinsella, Ricky Kinsella, Stacy Dirk, Nancy Kruckenberg, and Billy Kinsella; her 13 grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren; and her sister Darlene (Rudy) Peltz. She is also survived by eight siblings-in-law, extended family members, and many friends.
She was lovingly and excitedly welcomed to her final home by her husband; her parents; her in-laws, Henry and Regina Kinsella; her brother, Donald; her granddaughter, Amber; and her grandson, Kody.
As you remember Phyllis and the memories shared with her, we hope you find comfort in the love she had for each of you. In her memory, cherish each moment you have with loved ones, find humor in each day, and live a life filled with generosity and kindness.