Andrew J. Kass

With great sadness, the Kass family announces the death of longtime Stillwater resident Andy Kass. Born and raised in Chicago, he spent his adult life in Minnesota. He was a proud graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and held a M.A. degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. His early forays into teaching and the restaurant business were invaluable experiences which led him to the retail wine trade, his work for 35 years.

From his first visit to the St. Croix Valley in 1968, he knew it was a special place. “Little did I know I would be fortunate enough to spend most of my adult life living, working, raising my family, and retiring here.”

With family, Andy opened Sutler’s Wines & Spirits in Stillwater, MN. He was especially proud that Sutler’s was recognized as one of the top wines shops in the Twin Cities, offering friendly and knowledgable service to its customers. Together, his love of cooking, deep knowledge of the wine industry, and his ability to teach forged his reputation for matching wines with food and sharing that passion with others. In Sutler’s tasting room and local restaurants, customers were educated by wine makers and vineyard owners from around the world.

While building Sutler’s, Andy encountered many business and professional people who were involved in the community. Following their lead, he served on many nonprofit boards, committees and task forces: St. Croix Friends of the Arts, The Stillwater Area Economic Development Corporation, Capitol for a Day, The Partnership Plan for District #834, The Stillwater Public Library Foundation, and Family Means. He volunteered for the school district, the food shelf, the library, and was the Wine Ambassador for 10 years of fund-raising for Canvas Health. In addition, Andy was on the board of the St. Croix Valley Foundation for many years and, with his wife Ginny, co-chaired the Music Education Fund at the SCVF for another 13 years. He also received an award as an Outstanding Volunteer for Community Involvement.

His life was about serving others. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He loved art, the theater, good books, classical and jazz music. He loved people, cooking, and matching food with wine. Like his cooking, his life was flavored with friends from around the world.

He is survived by his wife Ginny of 55 years; his daughter Dana (Idris); his son Devin (Nicole) grandchildren Zev, Max and Evee; brother Michael (Charlene); and many wonderful cousins, family, and friends.

Visitation will be at 1pm on March 17th at Bradshaw in Stillwater, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Valley Outreach food shelf, the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, or the Music Education Fund at the St. Croix Valley Foundation.