Phyllis Jean Nordt, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on Dec. 3, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, Phyllis was the daughter of Ralph and Minnie (Debler) Burghart. She lived a life rich in love, family, and community, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Phyllis graduated from Chanute High School, where she cultivated her love for learning. Throughout her life, she worked as a paraprofessional and librarian at Chanute High School and also contributed her skills at Morton Building. She was known for her dedication to education and her nurturing spirit, impacting the lives of countless students and colleagues.
A lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Phyllis was an active participant in her community, where she shared her faith and values. Her generosity extended beyond her family to her church and local organizations, showcasing her commitment to helping others. In her later years, she became involved with the Cherry Street Youth Center, where her love for children shone brightly.
Phyllis was married to Kenneth Hasty, with whom she shared many joyful years until his passing. She later married Carl Nordt, continuing to build a loving family until his passing as well. Her heart was filled with love for her children, Joe (Jennie) Hasty, John (Patty) Hasty, Linda (Mark) Sigler, and Carla (Kevin) Church. She was also the proud mother-inlaw to Arlene Hasty and John Fry. Phyllis enriched the lives of her 56 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bestowing her warmth, wisdom, and encouragement upon them all.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Hasty and Carl Nordt; her sons, Craig Hasty and Bill Hasty; her daughters, Mary Kay Fry, Debbie Nordt, and Peggy Mudd; and her brothers, Bill, Karl, and Verle Burghart. She is survived by her cherished children, her daughter-inlaw, son-in-law, and her brother, Earl Dee Burghart, who cherished their lifelong bond.
An avid quilter and seamstress, Phyllis found joy in creating beautiful gifts for her family and friends. She owned a loom that allowed her to craft intricate pieces, which will be treasured by her loved ones. Her love for puzzles and travel was also a defining aspect of her life; Phyllis even took a job at the Grand Canyon, where she reveled in the beauty of nature and new experiences.
Phyllis’s life will be celebrated at her funeral on Aug. 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, a place that held great significance for her throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Zion Lutheran Church, or the Cherry Street Youth Center, honoring Phyllis’s spirit of giving.
As we remember Phyllis Jean Nordt, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a life dedicated to family, faith, and community. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering love will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
