Phyllis Ann Klahn

Phyllis Ann Klahn, 77, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, in the home she shared with her daughter & family in Kimberly. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully let go, and was welcomed into heaven.

Phyllis was born in Cassville, WI on February 25, 1941 to George & Martha Kitelinger. She was very close to her sister and best friend Darlene Potter, as well as her brothers Mark, George, & Leo Kitelinger and sisters Judy Tigges & Iola Welch.

Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. She was a longtime member of St. Bernadette Church in Appleton, where she taught religious education classes, served as a Eucharistic minister, and spent countless hours volunteering at the annual rummage sale. She also volunteered for numerous local non-profit organizations through RSVP, Fox Cities Marathon, & Girl Scouts. She particularly enjoyed working with children through Prevent Blindness Wisconsin with the infamous A-Team, earning the Governor’s Award for her service.

Phyllis touched the lives of many people through her work as a personal banker at Valley Bank/M&I for 24 years. But her most important job was that of mom, raising 4 headstrong daughters on her own. Phyllis lived for family, especially her grandchildren, and used humor & silliness in every aspect of her life, including countless rowdy game nights, ridiculous relay races at family reunions, hilarious white elephant gifts, Great Oogah Boogah initiations, masterful Easter basket hiding places, & goofy scavenger hunts at the Halloween parties.

Phyllis (mama/mommy/nana/Phyllie) will be deeply missed by her loving daughters Amy (Donnie) Knapp, Lori (Jeff) Gustafson, Lisa (Borislav) Klahn, Kathy (James) Dean; her adoring grandchildren Andrew & Nicholas Knapp, Jordan Gustafson, Ella & Elijah Dean; her sister & best friend Darlene Potter as well as many nieces, nephews, & dear friends who adored her.

She was greeted in heaven by her parents, brother-in-law Roger Potter, brothers & sisters, & numerous furry friends that she loved throughout her life.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center Appleton, Cancer Center, & Hospice for their compassion & support. The family will be forever grateful for the countless people who helped in even the smallest of ways. Phyllis had a gracious smile for each & every one of them.

The memorial mass for Phyllis will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 12:00 PM at St. Bernadette Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

We’ll meet ya on the porch mom.