12/26/2008
Phyllis Irene (Connell) Mohagen, a resident of The Dalles died on December 26, 2008 at Mid Columbia Nursing Home where she lived 15 months after a broken hip accident.
She was born October 1, 1920, in Fresno, CA to Joseph and Clella (Mauck) Connell.
She graduated from Knoxville (Iowa) High School in 1939. While in High School she entered an essay contest. As the state winner, she was invited to a Des Moines, IA radio station to be interviewed and to read her essay on the radio. The announcer/interviewer was Ronald Reagan before he went on to Hollywood and later to Washington. DC.
Phyllis went on to secretarial school, attending Capitol City Commercial College in Des Moines.
During World War II she moved to Los Angeles, CA to stay with an Aunt and Uncle, and went to work for Douglas Aircraft as a Secretary.
While attending a Church dance in 1947, she met Einar Mohagen. They began to date and then married on July 31, 1948. The couple resided in Whittier, CA. Their son, Keller was born during this time.
By the early 1950's the family packed up and moved to Hood River, OR where Einar would be working as a Dental Technician. A few years later they moved to The Dalles, where Einar would have his own practice.
Phyllis went to work as an Office Manager for the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Her office was upstairs in The Dalles Post Office.
After retiring, Phyllis and Einar enjoyed traveling. Their travels took them to the British Isles, Russia, Finland, Norway, Portugal, France, and Germany and throughout Europe. They also traveled to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska. Phyllis enjoyed people and had many friends.
Interest in Genealogy had her join the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society. She volunteered at the Rorick House, and The Dalles Art Club, and was an eager supporter of Community Concert.
In July 2008 Phyllis and Einar celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends in their home.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Josephine.
She is survived by her husband Einar, son Keller of Hood River, daughter Randi and husband Jim Abblitt and three grandchildren: Bryon, Reid, and Audrey, all of Tigard, OR, and a sister: Delores Giles of Reno, NV.
A private family celebration of Phyllis' life will take place at a later date in Tigard.
The Mohagen and Abblitt families send our heartfelt Thank-you to all of you who have been a part of Phyllis' life and ours.