Phyllis M. Orthaus

Phyllis (Blong) Orthaus, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tues., Feb. 3 at Whispering Willows Memory Care in Fredericksburg, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass.  Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Washington.

Friends may greet the family from 9:00-10:30 a.m. prior to the service Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the church.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with Phyllis’ arrangements.

Phyllis was born on July 2, 1937, in St. Lucas, Iowa, to Luke and Agnes (Dietzenbach) Blong. After graduating from high school in 1955, she married, Richard “Dick” Orthaus, on April 12, 1958, at  St. Luke Church in St. Lucas. Together they began their married life in Rochester, Minnesota, where they welcomed their five children.

Phyllis worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, Crenlo, and IBM in Rochester until 1971, when she and Dick moved back to Iowa to farm. She was proud of her career at Sara Lee—working there from the very first day the plant opened until its final day, an impressive 27½ years later. Phyllis then took her caring heart to work at the New Hampton CompSystem, working Part Time with the special needs adults, until the age of 82, when she decided to “really” retire.  Phyllis also enjoyed many hours volunteering and being an active member of the St. Lucas Historical Society.

In addition to their work, Phyllis and Dick shared a love for antiques and owned an antique business, traveling throughout the Midwest and participating in numerous antique shows. Phyllis had a special gift for making things beautiful and for making everyone feel welcome in her home. She always had a cup of coffee and baked goods to share to those who would pop-in/stop by.  She had a special talent of baking and cooking delicious meals filled with love—talents she passed on to her children, who continue that legacy today.

Above all, Phyllis was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, her family, and her many friends.

Phyllis’ family is beyond thankful to the beautiful souls and angels at Whispering Willows Memory Care and St Croix Hospice who took such loving care of their mom!!!

Phyllis is survived by her children: Kim (Duane) Boos of Lake City, MN; Gina (Mark) Ebhardt of Lewisville, TX; Faye (Brett) Elford of Red Wing, MN; and Dee Jay Orthaus of Decorah, IA; grandchildren, Evan (Maddy) Boos, Jackson Kolles, Vincent (fiancé Shaina Perro) Kolles, Ryan (Heather) Ebhardt, Brett Ebhardt, Ross Elford, Ashley (fiancé Shikhar Shukla) Elford; and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Layla Boos. She is also survived by her brothers, Clair Blong and Glenn (Jane) Blong; brother and sister-in-law’s, Joanne and Dick Gleason, Tom and Marilyn Orthaus, John and Eileen Orthaus, Linda and Bill Noehl, Wilma Orthaus, and Terry Orthaus; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in law, John and Olivia Orthaus; husband, Richard (2023); son, Todd (1988); brothers, Merle and Clyde Blong.