Phyllis M. Klaas

LANCASTER – Phyllis M. Klaas, age 90, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Grant Regional Hospital in Lancaster surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born on January 22, 1935, the daughter of Ellsworth and Elva (Bishell) Landon. Phyllis met the love of her life, Eugene Klaas, while at the Platteville Roller Rink. They were married on September 19, 1953, at St. Clement Catholic Church and were married nearly 71 years before Eugene’s passing last year.

Phyllis was an active member of her community, volunteering time with the Fall Festival at St. Clement, where she was an active member and serving funeral dinners. She was also a part of the St. Clement Quilters, Mesa Regel Quilters, and was a 4-H leader for the Farview Jets club in her earlier years. Her faith guided every aspect of her life, and she was always quick to offer a helping hand or a warm smile to those around her.  As a child, Phyllis loved to jump rope and was known to wear the soles right off her shoes.

Phyllis was an exceptional seamstress and spent many days sewing and quilting. Her love for sewing began with making clothes for her children, and over time, that passion blossomed into quilting, creating treasured gifts for both her family and community. Each year, Phyllis gifted each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren a hand-crafted Christmas ornament with the thought that by the time they were out on their own, they’d have enough ornaments to fill their first Christmas tree. Whether it was solving puzzles, playing cards, reading, quilting, wood carving, writing poetry, or enjoying games, she always found a way to keep busy.

Always a favorite stopping place for the grandkids, Phyllis and Eugene’s door was always open for a quick visit or snack between sports practices and county fair visits. She loved spending time in the kitchen making pies, jam, and jelly with her grandkids and was well known for her delicious potato salad. Phyllis and Eugene loved to travel and wintered in Arizona for over 30 years, where they enjoyed hiking, biking, and attending many music concerts. They spent many summers with the family at their cabin “Painters Paradise” in Bagley. She enjoyed spending time outdoors in her flower gardens, birdwatching, and fishing.

Phyllis cherished her family more than anything. Whether it was sharing a home cooked meal or spa days with her daughters, she looked forward to every moment spent with them. Her warm heart and peaceful presence will be missed by those she leaves behind.

Phyllis is survived by her six children: Beverly (Ted) Sprague, Kimberly (Daniel) Schildgen, Brenda (John) Brandt, Amy Anderson, Marlene (Steven) Moehlman, and Leonard (Emily) Klaas; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Leo Landon and Cecil (Janice) Landon; sister in-laws, Ruby Landon and Maxine Anderson; brother in-law, Jerry Krohn and many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Nellie Klaas; son in-law, Doug Anderson; siblings: Maurice (Charlotte) Landon, Virgil Landon, Ruth Krohn, and Irene (John) Seippel; sisters in-law, Jean Landon and Clara Landon; and brother and sister in-law Maxine and Joseph McKillip.