Phyllis was born to Therion and Rose Lorensen on May 28, 1928, at Jens, Montana. She grew up on the family ranch near Drummond, Montana, and graduated from Drummond High School. Phyllis worked at the Drummond drugstore where she met Frank “Bud” Krieg while making him a milkshake. Phyllis and Bud married in 1946 and raised two children, Susan and Jay.
Phyllis worked hard at a variety of jobs over the years. She waited tables at the City Café in Philipsburg, ran the switchboard as a telephone operator, and for many years she was the librarian at Granite County High School where she was beloved by generations of students. She loved hunting for arrowheads, reading, and spending time with her family. Her children and grandchildren were her joy and Phyllis would do almost anything for them. Phyllis passed surrounded by her loving family on March 12, 2020. We are so grateful for her loving presence in our lives and we will never stop missing her.
Phyllis was preceded in death by husband Bud, and brothers Leroy and Ray Lorensen. She is celebrated by her children Susan (Darrell) Beckstrom, and Jay (Cheri) Krieg; sisters Betty Firestone and Rosemary Fairfax; grandchildren Krista, Kim, Kerri, Rose Anne, Amy, Robert, Nicholas, Matt, Chad, Chris, and Nick; great-grandchildren Melanie, Erin, Mike, Alec, Delaney, Cole, Elijah, Dean, Robin, Santana, and Mattea; and great-great granddaughter Coraline.
Phyllis didn’t want a funeral, but we plan to gather as a family this summer to share pictures and fond memories of our Mom and Grandma. Memorials in honor of Phyllis may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization that was very dear to her.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Phyllis.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Phyllis and her family.
Susan Wolff says
I send my deepest condolences in the passing of your mother, grandmother, and sister. Those of us growing up in the Valley knew her well. We can all be proud of these Legacy Generation women from Granite County who lived into their 90s – a testament to their fortitude, love of family, and their communities. Hold your memories tightly in your hearts, because they leave such a huge hole in our hearts and every day lives.
Susan Johnson Wolff