Phyllis Joanne Dilley

Phyllis J. Dilley, age 79, of Atwater, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Bethesda Grand, in Willmar Mn. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Phyllis Joanne Dilley was born on July 9, 1946, in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Henry and Pauline (Smith) Truelson. She graduated from Grove City High School and was united in marriage to LaVern Dilley on October 10, 1964. Later in life, Phyllis accepted Christ as her Savior and became a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Phyllis dedicated many years of service to others throughout her life. She worked at 3M in Hutchinson for 25 years and later opened PJ’s Pub and Grub in Grove City. She also spent 15 years as a bus driver for Dayton’s Bus Service. Phyllis was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She was active in both the Jaycee Club and Women of Today. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and celebrating birthdays with her sisters-in-law. Known for her strong work ethic and ability to do just about anything she put her mind to, she was also lovingly remembered for the sweet treats she made for the neighboring police officers.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Brian (Kathy) Dilley of Avon, Brad (Jodi) Dilley of Crosby, Renae (Dewy) Zaeska of Atwater, and Rick (Stephanie) Dilley of Rapid City, South Dakota; her grandchildren Amy (Robbie), Shawna, Erin (Adam), Nate (Amber), Courtney (Jason), Hannah, Heidi, Randy (Briana), Nick (Dani), Conner (Maggie), Noelle, Jenna, Brooke (Blair), and Brynne; great-grandchildren Landon, Lydia, Kaden, Jackson, Tristen, Nora, Jack, Parker, Charlie, Watson, Caleb, and Reid; and brothers Harlon (Diane), Harold (Autumn), and Mike, many in-laws and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, LaVern; her parents, Henry and Pauline; granddaughter Jill; brother Jerry; and many other cherished loved ones.