Obit: Cassata, Philip Louis “Phil” (1937 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cassata, Cox, Gunderson, Liazuk, Baszynski, Wick, Quade

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 18 Mar 2020

Cassata, Philip Louis “Phil” (1 DEC 1937 – 12 MAR 2020)

Philip “Phil” Louis Cassata, age 82, passed away Thurs., March 12, 2020, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by his loving family supported by the Mayo Clinic Hospice Center.

Philip was born on Dec. 1, 1937, in Beloit to Louis and Helen (Cox) Cassata. He graduated from Madison East High School, the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire with a degree in education, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a master’s degree in Guidance and Educational Administration.

Philip had a love for teaching others and was able to fulfill his passion for 36 years in many different roles as a coach, teacher, and principal in Fall Creek, Deerfield and Abbotsford schools. Additionally, he volunteered his time to further education by serving on boards for the Wisconsin Handicapped Children and the Northcentral Technical College Consortium. Philip enjoyed 25 years of retirement where he was able to enjoy lake living in Birchwood and New Lisbon, walks on the beach in Fort Myers, Fla., and numerous trips to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska with family and lifelong friends. He enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren. He especially loved making root beer floats and popcorn for the kids, taking them to the zoo, and watching a kid’s movie or spoiling them in numerous other ways.

In 1963, Philip married the love of his life, Joan Gunderson, and they enjoyed 56 amazing years of marriage. Together they loved family gatherings, fishing, traveling, boating, square dancing, biking and walking.

Philip is survived by his wife, Joan, of Eau Claire; sons: Anthony (Dean Liazuk) of Eau Claire, Brent (Jennifer) of Findlay, Ohio, and Kevin (Candi) of Verona; seven grandchildren: Alyssa, Megan, Kaden, Lindsey, Carter, Cate and Kenley; sister, Karen Baszynski; brother, Steve (Bernadette); brother-in-law, Marshall Wick (Carol); many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law (Ottiave), father-in-law (Norman), and sister-in-law (Donna Wick).

A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. on Tues., March 17, 2020, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Pastor Brian Quade presided. Memorial visitation took place at the church on Tuesday morning, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Private family inurnment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery at a later date. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Memorials may be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church or to the Mayo Hospice Center. A special thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospice Center and Bethesda Lutheran Church for providing support to Philip and his family.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

 

 


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