Phyllis Winkler Hass

Phyllis Winkler Hass passed into the waiting arms of her Lord early on the morning of Thursday, April 2, 2020, with her family at her side. She was blessed with 92 years on this earth. She was born January 8, 1928, in Kansas City, Kansas, daughter of the late Richard and Amanda (Schoenick) Hinz. God was good to Phyllis her entire life. He provided a fine husband for her, as she married Lester Winkler at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Appleton. Lester went to be with Jesus on February 20, 1998. On March 26, 2006, she married Glenn Hass, another fine, Christian partner, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Glenn was called home just this past August.

Phyllis worked at the Wisconsin Telephone Company until her retirement in 1983. She enjoyed spending time outside, working in the yard, and spending time at church. She had been a proud member of St. Paul Ladies Aid for over fifty years.

Family gatherings took the top prize in Phyllis’ social life. She loved being with her family and always looked forward to the Hinz family breakfasts at Mary’s Family Restaurant. It was a rare event when she lost a game of Chinese Checkers – she was nearly unbeatable!

Phyllis is survived by her children: Liane (Michael) Wilms of Appleton, Karen (Peter) Rubsam of Appleton, and John (Beth) Winkler of Appleton; grandchildren: Jennifer (Steve) Maas, Andrew (Tressie Kamp) Rubsam, Alan (Kristen Lonergan) Rubsam, Kari (Alex) Paul, Jeffrey (Katie) Winkler, and Patrick Winkler; great-grandchildren: Meghan, Emma, Anton, Jack, Adalyn, Sylvie, Lydia, Elizabeth, and Abigail. Her siblings include Doris Falk, Richard “Buzz” (Marion) Hinz, and Kenneth (Marilyn) Hinz. She is also survived by Glenn’s daughter: Sherry (Gary) Pirner of Appleton; two grandchildren: Brian Pirner and Kristin (Jason) Byerly; and his sister: Joy DeBraal of Appleton. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law: Janice Merkel and Marlene Winkler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Lester and Glenn, a sister Marge (Norman) Schleitwiler, brothers-in-law Ken Falk, William Merkel, Arvin Winkler, Kenneth (Dorothy) Winkler, and James DeBraal; and a sister-in-law Betty (Joe) Biersteker.

When circumstances permit, a memorial service at Phyllis’ beloved St. Paul Lutheran Church will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank Pastor Don Ninmer for his many visits, letters, and prayers. Phyllis held a special place in her heart for him, and his kindness, care, and compassion will never be forgotten by our grateful family.