Phyllis M Kass

On November 6, 2019 Phyllis Helen Menzner-Kass, minutes before turning 94 years old, completed her mission on earth. She decided to throw her leg brace away and celebrate her 94th birthday somewhere other than this physical realm… soaring high and free of all physical boundaries and limitations. She looked forward to a reunion with loved ones who had transitioned prior. Though she will be missed by those left behind this is cause for celebration!

Phyllis was born on November 7, 1925 and grew up in the town of Marathon, Wisconsin. She went to High School and College at St Catherine University in St Paul, Minnesota with her sister Linita (one of her most cherished memories). She went on to marry Robert M. Kass on July 22, 1950 and spent her early life raising three children in Wausau and later Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She first worked as a medical technologist and later went on to receive a Masters Degree in Psychology and taught courses dealing with death, dying and grief at the University of Wisconsin Menominee. She spent her final years in Spokane, Washington.

She will always be remembered for her kindness and gentleness, uncompromisingly accepting nature, wisdom and understanding, unconditional love and caring, tenacity, organization, and willingness to give to others even at her own risk. She always left those she touched feeling good about themselves.

She was a feminist before the term was coined. She suffered loss early in life and made it a personal mission to help others get through the process of death and dying. She spent the remainder of her years exploring the meaning of life and was a powerfully spiritual person.

She loved seeing the sun sparkle on the lake, the jets soaring in the sky above her, the changings of the seasons, the cardinals at the bird feeder and a well-made bindle (radish) sandwich.

Her humor can be seen in her desire for her epitaph to read “Here lies Phyl – she tried and tried and then she died

She never complained and frequently said “Why not me?” instead of saying “Why me?”

Phyllis always left messages on small sheets of paper around for others to read and ponder…

A message from Phyllis dated February 2 2017.

During my 91 years on planet Earth, I have encountered many experiences.
I remember my mother's most thoughtful comments in times of stress…
"Phyllis, always be kind".
Since then I have discovered that kindness is the shadow of God in man.
May kindness follow you all the days of your life.

She set an example for those around her to aspire to!

Phyllis lovingly left behind her sons Robert Kass and Thomas (Barbara) Kass (Spokane, WA), her daughter Nancy Kass (Aurora, CO), and her grandchildren Victoria Kass (Seattle, WA), Sarah Kass (St Paul, MN) and Robyn Kass (Chippewa Falls, WI).

In her own words…

“On November 6, 2019 I finally completed my mission on planet Earth. It was a joyous and oft times a challenging journey. I tried to use my challenges and failures to propel me forward toward my goals as I said yes to life.

As I retire from this earthly life, I look forward to a reunion with family and friends that I haven't seen in a long time. My long departed loving husband Bob, Philip and Cele Menzner, my parents, to whom I was born on November 7, 1925, my departed siblings Nita (Linita Menzner-McDonald), Bud (Philip Menzner) and Bob (Robert Menzner), my grandson Sean (Sean Kass) and my many dear friends and relatives.

Life was good to me for almost 94 years. I leave my greatest creations Bob, Tom and Nancy who survived me along with my grandchildren Victoria, Sean (departed), Sarah and Robyn.”

With the transition of Phyllis Helen Menzner-Kass we celebrate a life well spent.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Phyllis Kass kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Crosswalk Youth Shelter, located at 525 W 2nd Avenue in Spokane, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made online at www.voaspokane.org/crosswalk or by calling 509-838-6596.

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