Kazynski, Annabel Irish

Annabel Kazynski (1931-2009)

 Annabel Irish Kazynski, 77, went home to her Lord and Savior on Oct. 11, 2009, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., following complications from a stroke. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Schmitz Funeral Home in Ossian.

Annabel was born Oct. 31, 1931, in Potosi, Wis., the daughter of Patrick and Emma (Stoll) Irish. She grew up in the Lancaster, Wis., area with her three brothers and two sisters. On June 14, 1950, she married John Kazynski, and in 1962, they moved to Ossian, Iowa, where they made their home and Annabel began her life's most important work of raising their family of nine children.

John died Jan. 15, 1988, after 38 years of marriage. After successfully raising her family, she began her second career, first working at St. Francis De Sales grade school cafeteria before moving to Decorah and afterward, she accepted a position in the food service department at Luther College. She happily “adopted” many of the Luther students and loved them as her own. She retired from Luther on Sept. 1, 2008, after 22 years of service.

Those who knew her best all remember…

God gave us the gift of an earthly Angel in the life of our Mother Annabel. Words cannot adequately express the blessing she has been to all of us... she beamed with joy whenever she was around and showed us how to truly love one another. And now, whenever we reach out and touch someone else in life, it will primarily be because of her influence and example.

She never had an ill wish or a bad word for anyone. She welcomed everyone into her life and home. In the hardest times she knew what to say and provided her family and friends with the blessing of her unconditional love and support. She thought about everyone else's needs first. She was the anchor that held us all together.

Mom's laugh was contagious. Who else laughs with their entire body - eyes, mouth, shoulders and belly? We should all have the joy of life like she did. For her it was easy to laugh and smile; easy to show love and kindness to anyone; easy to be God's witness of faithfulness and unwavering love for her Lord.

She was the ultimate caretaker - cooking, serving, worrying and praying for those she loved or even those she had just met. Grandchildren were the special recipients of her unconditional love. She especially enjoyed cooking their favorite foods (chicken noodle soup!!!) and homemade biscuits, sharing stories, playing cards, watching movies and of course giving them her undivided attention as they told of the happenings in their life.

She has completed a wonderful journey and now God has called her home. May the Lord bless and keep you Annabel Irish Kazynski, for you are with the Angels in Heaven smiling down on all of us. Always in our hearts. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Annabel is survived by sons, Mike (Cris) Kazynski of Evansdale, David (Diane) Kazynski of Dike, Gary (Mona) Kazynski of Clintonville, Wis., Greg (Judi) Kazynski of Prairie du Chien, Wis., Joe (Shanen) Kazynski of Holmen, Wis., and Tim (Jan) Kazynski of Shakopee, Minn.; daughters, Kathy (Bob) Koenig of Cedar Rapids, Laurie (Les) Thompson of West Union and Mary (Dale) of Metamora, Ill.; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ken Irish.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to St. Benedict's Catholic Church or St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church.

Online condolences are welcome at