Phyllis J. Goranson

Phyllis J. Mills Goranson, 94, of Edina, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026 from congestive heart failure.

Phyllis was born on May 27, 1931 in Minneapolis to parents, Leonard & Beatrice Mills.

She graduated from St. Louis Park High School. After graduation she then received her nursing degree from the Swedish Hospital Nursing School in 1952. Phyllis worked at the U of M Hospital in the Psychiatric Department until 1961 when she took time to raise her 3 children.

In 1972 she resumed her career at Birchwood Care Facility and became Director of Nursing at Andrew Care Home, both in Minneapolis, until her retirement in 2001. She also co-owned and operated the Goranson Funeral Home with her former husband, Kurt.

Phyllis’ passions included gardening, sewing, dancing, and extensive world travel, making many friends along the way.

She was a member of many charities and social groups including volunteering, Lake Harriet Methodist Church, Naples Florida Clown Club, and visiting children in the hospital and homeless shelters.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her precious daughter, Lisa Goranson Fisher; love of her life friend, Felt Lair; grandparents, Frank & Emma Ferodowill; parents, Leonard & Beatrice Mills; sister, Patricia Mills; brother and sister-in-law, Bud (Mary Pat) Mills; former husband, Kurt Goranson; along with many former classmates, coworkers, and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Leslie (Tom) McNally of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Kelton “Kelly” (Reve) Goranson of St. Cloud, MN; son-in-law, Andy (Lura) Fisher; grandchildren, Dustin Goranson, Drew Goranson, Nathan Fisher, Mathew Fisher, Teigan Hierlmaier, Resche Hierlmaier, Shane Hierlmaier, Elizabeth Wilson, and Daniel Wilson; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Masson, Haeden, Parker, and Layla Joe; and nieces and nephew, Ginger, Catherine, and Kenny Mills.

Phyllis grew up on Lake Minnetonka in Spring Park, other residences include St. Louis Park, Wayzata, South Minneapolis, Naples, Florida, and Edina.

Special thank you to Allina Hospice and Sisters in Harmony Care Group.

Funeral at 3:00pm on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel, 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley, with visitation starting at 1:00pm and a reception to follow. Private family burial at a later date.

Arrangements by Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel of Apple Valley.