Phyllis J. Bull, age 79, died September 6, 2022 in Northfield, Minn., having bravely battled pancreatic cancer for almost two years. Her smile and love for family and friends will be missed.

Born in Two Harbors, Minn. to Arnie and Jennie (Eklin) Pelto. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jim, two brothers, Kenneth Pelto of Shorterville, Ala., and Robert Pelto of Cheyenne, Wyo., son and daughter- in-law Michael and Susan Bull of Somerset, Wisc., son Jeffrey Bull of Ellendale, Minn., and five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Phyllis and Jim have lived in Madison, Minn., Montgomery, Minn., Algoma, Iowa, Shawno, Wisc., and Owatonna, Minn., before moving back to the farm upon retirement. Phyl worked parttime for JC Penny and when the kids were older began a 20-year career at Federated Insurance in Owatonna. First in the training department and then as an administrative assistant in the executive wing. Her ability to work with people was well utilized.

She enjoyed travel and new experience. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee with her family or friends was sometimes a long four-day adventure. Many trips by canoe were enjoyed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) of Northern Minnesota. The highlight may have been a week-long trip with Jim, Son Mike and the five grandchildren (Mikes three girls and Jeff’s two boys, ages 10 and 15 to 20).

While in Shawno, a group of 5-6 couples formed a 45-year life-long friendship. We raised kids, saw them marry, celebrated life’s joys and hardships, and supported each other. Activities included golf for the men, shows in Chicago (Hamilton), weekends together, talking smart, or just laughing and enjoy each other’s company.

A chance meeting with a former Finnish exchange student led to a trip to Finland. Both of Phyllis’ grandparents were immigrants from Finland. During the trip we met relatives, (small) cousins, visited cities, museums and many of the highlights of Finland. We have stayed in contact with some and cherish the memories we have of this trip.

Whether foreign trips or a trip with cousins to Seattle on Amtrak, Phyl loved her friends and the friendship plus memories they provided.

Coming back to the country (farm) upon retirement was a little scary but turned out to be a great chance to do a little gardening, plant flowers, or walk in the woods. Occasional trips to Lake Superior to contemplate the waves were cherished.

A life well lived, that benefited many, you will be missed.