Memorial
Phyllis Jane Klostermann Watson, 75, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Barrymore Senior Living after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow the service and take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Phyllis was born on January 16, 1951, to Harold and Ardell (Bockensteadt) Klostermann in Manchester, Iowa. She graduated from Beckman High School in Dyersville, Iowa, in 1969. She married the love of her life, Craig Watson, on August 2, 1986, and together they made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Craig became a loving stepfather to her two daughters.
Phyllis lived a life defined by love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. Even throughout her illness, she remained remarkably strong and positive, facing each challenge with grace, courage, and a comforting smile. She was the heart of her family and their biggest fan, finding her greatest joy in being together and proudly celebrating her grandchildren’s sporting events, performances, and milestones.
Phyllis also enjoyed crocheting thoughtful gifts, baking for family and friends, reading, playing cards, shopping with her daughters, and traveling with her beloved husband. She especially loved visiting wineries and escaping to the mountains, creating memories her family will cherish forever.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, Craig Watson; her daughters, Michelle Wessels Lockhart (John) and Sara Wessels Domann (Chad); her grandchildren, Jennifer Nicholson (Zach), Sam Lockhart, Brett Domann, and Jacob Domann; her sister, Carol McKowen (Ray); her brother, Bill Klostermann (Judy); her brother-in-law, Jerry Heiring; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Salow and Ruth Ann Smigielski. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Teresa Heiring; her brother, Rick Klostermann; and her brother-in-law, Tom Smigielski.
Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the love Phyllis gave so freely and the lasting example she set through her kindness, resilience, and devotion to family. Her gentle spirit, welcoming heart, and unconditional love will continue to guide and comfort those who loved her for generations to come.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and cancer care team at The University of Kansas Medical Center for their dedication, compassion, and care. They are also deeply grateful to the nurses and staff at Barrymore Senior Living for the kindness and support they provided throughout her final days.
A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held in Kansas City at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis’s name to American Legion Post 370, 7500 W. 75th St., Overland Park, KS 66204, or to the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA.