Phillip Wendell Rychner

Our beloved and cherished husband, father, and “papa”, Phillip passed peacefully from his earthly life and into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 5, 2012. He was born on May 12, 1935 (Mother’s Day) to Charles and Alpha (Mattusch) Rychner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his school years at West Milwaukee High School, Phillip played football and was an actor in school productions. Phillip enlisted in the Army and served his country in the latter years of the Korea War. After the war, he was discharged from Fort Lewis and lived in the Portland and Seattle areas before finally making Tacoma his home for 55 years. Phillip attended the University of Washington and the College of Puget Sound. Phillip worked as an engineer for General Electric until his retirement. Phillip was a man of strong faith who lived his love of God everyday. He was a member of Visitation Parish for fifty years where he was actively involved in the St. Vincent dePaul Society, the Maintenance Committee, the Knights of Columbus (4th degree), and the Usher Ministry. Survivors include his wife, Geri Kanesta-Rychner; daughter, Lisa (Perry) Parham; son, Bryan; grandchildren, Jennifer and Jake Parham; parents-in-law, Ida and Percy Kanesta; sisters-in-law: Terry Kanesta-Brislin (Mike); Bernie (Rick) Peterson; Dori Kanesta Crouch (Jim); Sarah Kanesta; brothers-in-law: Lindsay (Tina) Kanesta; Lynn (Vicki) Kanesta; Michael (Michelle) Kanesta. Special nieces whom Phillip loved and encouraged to do their best in their daily lives and in their college studies: Rachel Barstow, Mallorie Peterson, Kaelyn Kanesta, and Jennifer Kanesta. His siblings: John Rychner, Marlene Sperka, Jean Wadsworth, and Charles Rychner; brother-in-law, Jack (Patty) Curry; sister-in-law, Patricia Orr. Phillip was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Frances (Curry), daughter, Colleen, and his parents. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ramon Anel, Dr. Theodore Lau, and the staff at the Franciscan Hospice House for all of the excellent care that was provided for Phillip. The family also thanks all of the many friends and relatives who visited and prayed with and for them during Phillip’s journey into Eternal Life. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, October 12, 11:00 am, Visitation Parish, with Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Reception will follow in the lower Parish Hall. Phillip was a devoted and active Vincentian of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society-Visitation Parish, 3314 S. 58th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409. If you are attending the services, Phillip’s special request was for each family to bring a jar of peanut butter or jelly (or both) for the St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Bank at the Parish. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.