Sarah M. Kass

Sarah M. Kass

Sarah M. Kass, 62, of Sumner, died at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday morning, June 21, 2014, after a courageous 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Memorial Mass of the Resurrection: 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Reverend Jim Brokman officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday June 25, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner and after 9:00 A.M. Thursday at the church.

Rosary Service: 4:00 P.M. Wednesday at the church.

Parish Scripture Service: 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the church.

Inurnment: Wilson Grove Cemetery, Sumner.

Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of choice.

Sarah Marie O’Brien was born September 2, 1951, in Sumner, the daughter of Clayton Edward and Patricia (Heyer) O’Brien. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1969 and Iowa State University in 1973. On June 7, 1975, she was united in marriage to Larry Joseph Kass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner. Sarah was a homemaker, teacher and very active in the church, school and community. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, crafts, playing the piano and organ and spending time with her family.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Larry Kass of Sumner; 7 children, Joshua (Amber) Kass of Rosemount, Minnesota, Erin Kass of Sumner, Nathan (Alison) Kass of Manchester, Rachel (Jeff) Bach of Davenport, Benjamin Kass of Chicago, Illinois, Megan Kass of Marion and Daniel Kass of Sumner; 5 grandchildren, Nolan and Alaina Kass and Abby, Katie and Lily Kass; mother, Patricia O’Brien of Sumner; 5 siblings, David (Betty) O’Brien of Sumner, Susan (Jay) Romsa of Albin, Wyoming, John (Sue) O’Brien of Waterloo, Robert (JaNan) O’Brien of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and William (Carol) O’Brien of Sumner; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents; father; and a grandson, Paul Kass.

Laurabrown on February 9, 2017 at 9:15 PM said:

Sue, I finally located your sister's obituary, and wanted to send my condolences. Please call or write me asap. 319-541-6737 or jeannebeans@gmail.com

I don't have your current contact info, so don't know how to reach you.

Kelly Schaufenbuel on June 26, 2014 at 9:53 PM said:

So, so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. She was such a lovely person. Really enjoyed working with her for a short time at the Durant. She was unbelievably kind and helpful. She will be missed by many.

Kristi (Kajewski) Ritchie on June 26, 2014 at 4:31 PM said:

Erin - I am so sorry to hear the news. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dean and Judy Zupke on June 26, 2014 at 6:34 AM said:

Thoughts and Prayers to the Kass family. Sarah will always be in your hearts and the memories will help get you through the rough times.

Anonymous on June 25, 2014 at 3:13 PM said:

Nate, Ali and family we are thinking about you in this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, the Lott family

Ralph & JudithSchwake on June 25, 2014 at 7:17 AM said:

Our sympathy to the family and many friends of Sarah. 3qGxftShe will be missed for her many contributions to our community.

Jane Tucker and family on June 24, 2014 at 8:23 PM said:

Mamma Kass' cookies are baking, as I write this... but with M&M's. which I am sure the baker,artist,mom, and grandma
Sarah, would approve! Special thoughts and memories sent from our family to yours.

Terri Thayer Marion IA on June 24, 2014 at 12:24 PM said:

Megan, keeping you and your family in my prayers as you celebrate the beautiful life of your Mom. May God sustain you with his love and know the love she etched in your hearts is forever with you.

Diane Weltner & Wendall Kueker on June 24, 2014 at 9:47 AM said:

Our hearts were saddened to hear the news of Sarah's passing, but Heaven's Angels are rejoicing at the arrival of a new Angel! She was a beautiful lady & an inspiration to us all. Our sympathy goes out to Larry & family, her mother Patricia O'Brien and all of Sarah's siblings & families. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ann (Scott) Cutshall on June 24, 2014 at 5:15 AM said:

Larry and Family,
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Sarah's death. She was a loving mother and person. I so enjoyed working for her taking care of the kids those two summers and the evenings that Larry and Sarah would go out to enjoy each others company. Please take comfort in knowing that Sarah is in God's hands now and that you will all see her again in heaven. My prayers are with you all. God bless.

Ann (Scott) Cutshall, Allison, Iowa

Dan and Carol Weltner on June 24, 2014 at 5:10 AM said:

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord...
Godspeed Sarah!

Steve and Donna Tisue and family on June 24, 2014 at 1:31 AM said:

We are so sorry to hear about Sarah's passing. What a positive
person with such a huge heart. She will be greatly missed in this
community. All of you are in our prayers.

Steve and Donna Tisue and family on June 24, 2014 at 1:27 AM said:

We are so sorry to hear about Sarah's passing. What a positive
person with such azR huge heart. She will be greatly missed in this
community. All of you are in our prayers.

Julie Tremaine Bottoni on June 23, 2014 at 8:30 PM said:

Larry & family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
No one could ask for a better friend than Sarah. She was so supportive, understanding and caring. I am so glad she was a part of my life. Sarah was a very special person who will live on in our hearts and memories.

Jan (Niewoehner) Heinemann on June 23, 2014 at 8:18 PM said:

I remember Sarah as a quiet gentle girl and very intelligent. My sympathy to all the family. We will remember and reminisce about her at the Class of 69 Reunion.

Mark and Nena Winter, Macey, Jensen and Elli on June 23, 2014 at 7:27 PM said:

Our deepest sympathy to Sarah's family.
We got to know Sarah when she was the DRE for the religious Ed program. She was a blessing to work with and had such a beautiful soul. We are praying for your family at this difficult time. May your memories guide you through each and every day.

Kay Pleggenkuhle Kent on June 23, 2014 at 4:27 PM said:

My deepest sympathy to the Kass family. I haven't seen Sarah in several years, but used to run into her from time to time in Sumner. She was a great person. I have wonderful memories of Sarah as a member of the class of 1969. Her locker was next to mine during high school so we had lots of little chats during our high school days.

Paula Weimer on June 23, 2014 at 3:49 PM said:

Dear Rachel and Jeff,
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of your Mother, we are keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers,
Love, Russ and Paula Weimer

gary lantzky on June 23, 2014 at 10:23 AM said:

sorry to hear I feel for you

Lynn Sctt on June 23, 2014 at 9:34 AM said:

Larry and family -

I was saddened to hear of Sarah's passing. She fought a long and tough battle over these past years, with all of you at her side for support and encouragement. Take comfort knowing that she touched so many lives with her kindness and generosity of spirit. I have so many great memories of her thru the stories Ann has told of her days as the Kass family nanny. And Sarah did so much in the community to be grateful for. She was a great role model and mother. You are all in my prayers during this time of grief, but remember to celebrate the wonderful woman she was. God's blessings and grace to you.

Maria Aranda on June 23, 2014 at 8:27 AM said:

Rachel I am really sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and all of your family to remember all the happy times and she always be in your heart and memories.

Britnee (Schoonover) Ramirez on June 23, 2014 at 7:02 AM said:

In my recipe box, I have a note card labeled "Mama Kass' s cookies." Mama Kass' s kindness and love for her family was so overflowing that it spread to even her children's friends. Erin, my old chum, and Nathan, my classmate--and all of Sarah ' s loved ones---) my thoughts go out to you.

Deb (Duhrkopf) Toenges on June 23, 2014 at 6:46 AM said:

I feel so sad but yet glad cause Sarah is sitting up there talking to God and telling him he needs to have patience with all of us!!! She was a wonderful kind person never complaining. Every time we visited she was so positive!

Tom & Denise (Sholly) Shadonix on June 22, 2014 at 7:40 PM said:

Larry & family. So sorry for your loss. While I only met Sarah once areuat a reureunion, it saddens me that I will never get to know her. Blessings for you & your family in this time of sorrow.

Arlie & Marcia Rieck on June 22, 2014 at 6:47 PM said:

Such a nice person! She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends. God Bless!!

Melissa Sholly Niederhauser on June 22, 2014 at 6:28 PM said:

Larry, you and your family all are in my thoughts and prayers. I always remembered Sarah as being so sweet and kind. Sending love and hugs from our family. Missie

Vicki Gaffney Smith on June 22, 2014 at 5:41 PM said:

Larry -
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sarah always wore a smile, and showed so much compassion and kindness to others. Sarah will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.

Chris Peden (Christi Gaffney) on June 22, 2014 at 5:06 PM said:

My sympathies to the family-Sarah was so kind and loving-my thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends.

Marion Heying on June 22, 2014 at 4:39 PM said:

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you, Larry, and family. Sarah was one of a kind. Always so kind and thoughtful of others , and with a very deep faith which certainly got her through these very difficult last years. I can't even imagine the pain she went through, but she always had a smile and ready to help others. The Hot Cross buns she brought us after my shoulder surgery were absolutely the best!! I hope Sarah enjoyed the flowers I sent her just before Easter. They were meant to please her. Sarah you are through suffering and smiling with the Lord now. Rest in peace.

Joe Gitch on June 22, 2014 at 3:30 PM said:

Larry, Pat, and Family
I was saddened to learn of Sarah's passing. She was such a kind, considerate person.
I remember visiting her a few years ago during a stay at the Ronald McDonald house in Iowa City. We had a such nice visit - catching up on family, classmates, children, parents, grand children, and her health. As she described her condition and prognosis, I sat in awe of this person setting across from me - how calm, how secure in her faith, how loving of her family. Her courage and strength was so humbling for me. I'll never forget that hour I spent with her.
Sarah, God speed.

Diane Zabel on June 22, 2014 at 1:48 PM said:

Sarah will be remembered and missed by many. I worked with her briefly at Immaculate Conception. She always had a smile. I am told Sarah was our babysitter when I was very little. I don't seem to remember that.

I dad hear reports of Sarah's progress and doctor visits from Erin when I worked with her at United Methodist. My prayers and thoughts are with Larry, Erin, and entire family. So very sorry for your loss.

Kim Oleson Hohensee on June 22, 2014 at 1:48 PM said:

My deepest sympathies to the Kass and O'Brien families. May God surround you with his loving arms as you go through this difficult time.

Patricia Harms Briggs on June 22, 2014 at 11:57 AM said:

Sarah was one of the sweetest persons I have ever known and she was always so kind to everyone. I was looking forward to seeing her at our class reunion in July. We will all truly miss her. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Linda Herrmann McDaniel on June 22, 2014 at 11:42 AM said:

I am truly saddened to hear of Sarah's passing. She was truly a very special and caring person and had a heart of gold. My sympathies and prayers to her husband, children, grandchildren, mother & siblings. Keep her memories close to your heart, and she will always be with you. She will me missed by many. R.I.P. Sarah.

Barb and Dave Hennessey on June 22, 2014 at 11:17 AM said:

Dear Larry and family

We were saddened to hear of Sarah's death after her long courageous battle with cancer. We so wish we could attend her visitation and funeral but we are on vacation and unable to come. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Sarah was an amazing person who was devoted to her church and her faith in many ways. She was so good at remembering others with her personal notes even after Barb's surgery 6 weeks ago! She was always so proud of her family who meant everything to her.

May God be with you all in your sorrow.
With our sincere sympathy,
Barb and Dave

David J Smith Brentwood,CA on June 22, 2014 at 11:08 AM said:

My deepest sympathy to Sarah's family. She was always so kind to me in high school. My mother, Alice Smith, became good friends with Sarah over the years. She spoke kindly of Saarh very often. My mother called me early yesterday to tell me the sad news and told me to pray for Saarh, and I will.
My mother, who lives just northwest of the Catholic Church, will be at the funeral to represent me. God bless all of you.

Vickie Bradford Rhea on June 22, 2014 at 8:13 AM said:

Sarah was a very unique person. From our school days forward she was kind to all who knew her. Her family and faith carried her through much these last four years. She will be missed.

Sister Norma Jean Holthaus on June 22, 2014 at 7:41 AM said:

My prayers are with you these days as you mourn the loss of a loved one. Hold the beautiful memories in your heart and continue to share them. Blessings to you.

Jo (Evans) Riker on June 22, 2014 at 6:29 AM said:

My sympathies to the family! Sarah was a sweet kind always friendly person. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. What a loss to me and to the class of 69. Maybe we all find comfort in our memories. Got bless you all.

Donna Johnson Roche on June 22, 2014 at 5:54 AM said:

It was with great sadness that I heard of Sarah's passing. I grew up on a farm not far from the O'brien place. I have fond memories of Sarah's parents and their farm. She was kind...I have only good thoughts of her. My sincere condolences.

Dean Ganske on June 22, 2014 at 1:13 AM said:

Truly sorry for your loss. She was always kind to me. I remember catching Turkeys on their family 47 years ago on the 4th of July.
Gods love to all the family
Dean C. Ganske
deancganske@yahoo.com

Barb Milnes Holt on June 21, 2014 at 8:47 PM said:

Oh I see I commented twice, thinking the first one wouldn't go through... she used to comment on my impatience with myself way back in high school..I can hear your gentle laughter, Sarah

Barb Milnes Holt on June 21, 2014 at 8:43 PM said:

Sincere sympathies to Larry, your kids and grandkids, Pat and family. Sarah and I have stayed in touch since graduation in 1969 and it has been a joy to see her family grow and grow! She was a sweet, caring woman of incredible strength and courage; always putting her family and friends before herself. Rest comfortably now, sweet, sweet Sarah.

Barb Milnes Holt on June 21, 2014 at 8:34 PM said:

Deepest sympathies to Larry, all of your children and grandchildren and to Pat and family. Sarah and I stayed in touch after high school. She always beat me at sending a birthday greeting..my birthday is Sept. 1, her's Sept. 2nd. She even beat me when she wasn't feeling up to par!!...always putting others first....a true, gentle spirit. She will be deeply missed by so so many. Blessings and comfort to all of you.

Jan Friederich Bethmann on June 21, 2014 at 8:00 PM said:

Sarah was the most accepting person I knew in high school. God takes the best of us to be with him! My thoughts and prayers are with her family!

Sue Reimler Pleggenkuhle on June 21, 2014 at 7:29 PM said:

My sympathies to Sarah's family...I remember her as a very kind and accepting person! The class of 69 will miss her!

Gerald & Carol Miner on June 21, 2014 at 3:24 PM said:

Larry & Family, We wanted to express our deepest sympathy to your entire family.Sarah was truly one of a kind, and a wonderful person to know. Gerald always enjoyed working with her on the Library board,and I always enjoyed our many talks at the clinic.May God's love surround all of you at this time.Hold tight to your memories,fore they become our treasures!

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