Phyllis E. Kubale

Phyllis Elizabeth (Rolland) Kubale, 97, passed away March 28, 2025 in her home in Appleton, WI, holding hands with family. She came from a long line of determined, tenacious and strong women, and continued that legacy as a 100 lb. powerhouse. Left to remember her strength, and try to emulate it, are her daughters Elizabeth Kubale Palmer of West Bend, Pamela Kubale of Appleton and Nancy Kubale (Russell Wicker) of Rutherfordton, NC. She was proud of her grandchildren Jennifer Dash (Jeremy), Kelly Cartwright, Scott Cartwright, Mackenzie Wicker (Caleb Humphries) and Emilia Wicker (Andrew Godwin), Michael Bauer (Kristina) and 7 great-grandchildren.

Phyllis worked as a doctor’s assistant in private practices and clinics for most of her career. She was an excellent and adventurous cook long before it became popular. She kept an immaculate house and yard and was a “hip” and trendy dresser. After retiring she studied and became a volunteer Docent at the Snite Museum of Art on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend, IN, leading tours and explaining the art. She enjoyed US and international travel, loved Notre Dame and Green Bay Packer football, gardening, dancing, polka music, a glass of wine, and reading the newspaper cover to cover until she lost her sight in her last years. She was the sole caretaker of her husband Earl for many years as he declined with dementia.

She was a woman of deep faith. The family joked that mom had a direct line to God. She was a prayer warrior before the term was popular. She rarely complained and modeled strength in adversity with an Irish sense of humor. In her later years she joked that God just didn’t know what to do with her yet. We guess He finally decided.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Earl Kubale, sweethearts of 68 years; her parents William and Elizabeth (Hayden) Rolland; siblings Arleen, Richard, Howard, Robert; her in-laws Frank and Mary (Manlick) Kubale, Earl’s siblings, and most of her friends.

The immediate family will have a private burial with a celebration of life “Irish wake” at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Bay-Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America in Menasha, WI or St. Joseph Food (Pantry) Program, Inc., in Appleton, WI.