Grace D. McPhail

Grace Delores McPhail, peacefully passed away after a brief illness on May 10, 2024, at the age of 100 in Chisago City, Minnesota.  

Grace was born to Max and Ella Ladwig in South Dakota.  As a young child her family moved to Blue Earth, Minnesota where she was confirmed in the Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1941 where she participated in several team sports and worked on the school newspaper. 

A few months after graduation, she was married to Rollo “Mac” McPhail.  The ceremony was performed in Elmore, Minnesota by the Reverand T.S. Mondale, father of former Vice President, Walter Mondale.

Following Rollo’s completion of military service during WWII, they lived in and around St. Paul until they moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota in1956.

At various times, Grace owned and managed businesses in the Forest Lake area.  However, her primary interests were her family, church activities, quilting and gardening.

She remained in her Forest Lake home until her 2019 move to Parmly on the Lake Assisted Living in Chisago City.  The family would like to thank the staff for providing a welcoming home for our dear mother.  

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rollo (2009); grandson, Joshua Adams; siblings, Arnold, Gretchen, Genevieve, Gladys, Arlene, Arlan; and many dear friends.

She is survived by her children, Jeanette (Chuck) Adams, Dan (Sue) McPhail, Walt (spouse, Judy Volk) McPhail; grandchildren, Kelly, Mike, Sarah, Jeff, Kari, Jill; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2024, at Parmly on the Lake Chapel, 28210 Old Towne Road, Chisago City.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment at Oak Park Cemetery, Columbus, Minnesota.