Carol Phinney

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Obituary

Carol Phinney, 83, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Mitchell, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Appleton, WI. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 23, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, with visitation starting at 9:30 AM till time of the service. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Carol Lucille Magstadt Phinney, daughter to Elder and Emma Magstadt, was born in Parkston, South Dakota, on February 21, 1942.

Carol would share stories of her youth, of being raised on the farm near Tripp, from traveling by horse to the country school, in the winter, with her two sisters, Darlene and Doris, to the big day that her dad traded off his horses for a tractor. She met Harlan Phinney while going to school in Springfield. She went to school to be a teacher, eventually teaching in a single-room school in Winner.

She had several jobs over the years, but her passion was being with kids. Sitting on the floor for hours, reading to the kids at a daycare or caring for other family children. Her love for reading was more than a hobby; it was something she loved to share. Telling stories of what she read or buying books at thrift stores to hand out to kids. They fostered children, with one child sharing that Carol gave him calm in his life with reading. She got them a library card that opened a new world for them. Harlan and Carol were able to stay connected with a foster family over the years, being invited to see their lives grow with their families. Later in her years, she was able to share her life with numerous grandkids and great-grandkids. She couldn’t wait to share with others of her family. Yes, Carol was a talker with endless stories for those willing to listen.

Carol was married to Harlan Phinney for 63 years before his passing in 2024. Carol is survived by their three kids, Kim (Mark) Mostek, Broomfield, CO, Scott (Julie) Phinney, Springfield, IL, and Mark (Kathy) Phinney, Appleton, WI. She had 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Harlan Phinney; parents, Elder and Emma Magstadt; sisters, Darlene Wollmann and Doris Kalahar.

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