Donald & Phyllis Kai

Phyllis Jean (Feldhacker) Kai, 92, of Pender, NE passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.  Donald M. Kai, 97, of Pender, NE passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The funeral service for Phyllis and Don will be on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pender Community Center in Pender, NE. The visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the Pender Community Center. Burial with Military Honors will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. 

Phyllis Jean (Feldhacker) Kai was born in South Sioux City, Nebraska on September 5, 1932, to Anthony and Viola Feldhacker. As a child, she lived in Wakefield, Nebraska with her stepfather, Harry Oak and her mother, Viola. Donald Merle Kai was born on the family farm in Pender, Nebraska to Ted and Cora Kai.

Don and Phyllis met at the roller rink in Wakefield. When Phyllis fell, Don swept her up and swept her off her feet. It was love at first sight. They were married June 5, 1949, and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2024. After a short stent in the Marines and living in Oceanside, California, Phyllis and Don moved to a farm near Waterbury, NE. After a few struggling years of farming, they moved to Pender where Don bought a barber shop where he shared the love of God and cut hair for quite a few years. An opportunity came up for Don and Phyllis to purchase an insurance agency. They worked together selling insurance for several years until they retired in 1998. Don and Phyllis cherished any moments spent with their family. Whether it was a birthday celebration or Christmas Eve singing Silent Night with candles around the church, they loved having a big family and were so proud of each and every one of us. Throughout the years, Don and Phyllis shared a love that few in this life get to experience. They never wanted to be apart, and they never had to be, even in their passing away from this earthly world and entering the gates of Heaven. 

They are lovingly remembered by their daughters Deb (Mike) Cooper, Dawn (Steve) Goodman, and Michelle (Shawn) Blahak; six Grandchildren, Jill Speirs, Travis Cooper, Aaron Goodman, Amy (Josh) Kavan, Jason (Sarah) Goodman, Jeannina (Blake) Kracl; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

 They were preceded in death by their parents, Phyllis’ siblings, Loyce (Ruth) Feldhacker, Vera (Kenneth) Harroun, Jerry Oak, and Don’s siblings, Wilbur (Bernice) Kai, Wilma (Ed) Brown, Mandville (Charlene) Kai, and Manford (Maxine) Kai and several nieces and nephews.