Philip Louis Zemaitis

Philip Louis Zemaitis was born on May 26, 1954, which, in Catholic Church tradition, is the feast day of St. Philip. Therefore, his Dad, decided that it was most appropriate to name this baby boy for the saint of the day. His parents were Ann Elizabeth (Visnosky) and Charles James Zemaitis, and his older siblings were Charlotte Anne (Richard Horvatic), Charles James, Jr. (Margaret) (both now deceased), Susan Marie (John Osborne), Rita Sharon (John Eads) & David Michael Zemaitis (Anna Gharst). Philip attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic grade school, & Ward and Wyandotte High Schools in Kansas City, Kansas. Philip and his first wife, Tanya (Powers) had three daughters, Sheri, Katherine (Katie) and Tamra. After their marriage ended in divorce, Philip later met and married his soul mate, Janey (Fisher). On July 11,2017, they celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Philip and Janey enjoyed spending time with their granddaughters, Gypsy, Legacy, Zyrah, and grandson, Axis, as well as their family dogs, Dudley and Tai.
A true lover of nature, Philip worked many years as a landscaper, often using his love and knowledge of trees to guide his clients in the choosing of and caring for their trees. He also worked as a flooring custodian for Research and Truman Hospitals. Philip found his niche when he found a sales position in the home furnishings department of the Jones Store in Mission, KS, where he enjoyed working with people, and got great satisfaction in helping his customers make pleasing choices by his suggestions of color, placement, and style.In his retirement, Philip became involved with the care and guidance of his four grandchildren, teaching them many life lessons, and instilling in them his own love and appreciation of nature, as well as the importance of a good education, and being kind to people and animals. His deep faith and laid-back demeanor was very much like his own dad's, who had a quiet, unassuming personality, as well. We will remember his gentle nature and pensive demeanor, coupled with his quick wit and healthy sense of humor, as well as his patience and endurance, which were among his finest qualities as a fellow human being. The following messages are from his family:
FIRE, WIND, WATER AND AIRHe was all of that to me, and more. Loved by men, women, children, animals. He never knew a stranger, and no one was safe from his spirit of love. He SO loved the outdoors-it was such a part of him, to be outdoors as much as he could. He and I were soul mates from the first time we met. He had such a giving nature; always willing to share his time and do for his family and others. Last year, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary, and now even though I cannot imagine how life will be without him; I count having him in my life for over twenty-five years as a great blessing, and my hearts treasure.
Philips wife, Janey
****************************************
Philip, I loved your calming, laid back demeanor, your smiling, always accepting presence, which allowed all who encountered you to feel warmly welcomed regardless of time of day or day of week. Your gentle ways, and your patient and easy- going manner, were qualities I really admired. They were so much like our Dads, and both Grandpas.
Your philosophy of life was one which seemed to come from old sages and wise men of centuries past. You were a thinker, dreamer, philosopher and friend to all. Your intense love of nature and the natural world truly made you a man of all seasons.
Philip, the difference in our ages made our lives so very different; not running in parallel lines, like most siblings, but in spite of that, we came to know each other in later years, as good friends and confidants. I will always regret those lost years, which raced by, as we each lived out our own lives, in separate worlds. Even though we pursued and followed different paths, we still felt as kindred spirits. Whenever life afforded us an opportunity to connect with each other, we enjoyed catching up with each others news, noting new things we had learned or had become aware of which we felt would be of use or interest to one another in the various pursuits of each others lives.
I shall miss you and love you, always, and hope to see you someday in the Heavenly Home our Lord Jesus promised to all His people.
Big Sister, Charlotte
*****************************************
May the Peace of Jesus be with you, Philip.
I will love you, always, dear brother!
Brother David
*****************************************
He did not have a lot of laurels accorded to him, nor corporate titles behind his name, be he lived his life as a kind and gentle man, a friend to his fellow man. A nature lover, birds and bees, animals, plants and trees, fascinated him, and he would marvel on learning some new and interesting fact about them, and would double his pleasure, by sharing his new discovery with others of like mindedness or not.
He always had a close relationship with his four grandchildren, with whom he was a kindred spirit; playful, joyous laughter would abound when they were around. And he was always teaching life lessons when an opportune moment presented itself. His tender and fun-loving nature, and the happy memories they shared, will always keep him forever in their hearts.
Baby brother Philip, we knew you also through your gentle eyes. You were always so calm, so constant. Our Mother was your proudest admirer. Our dads calm demeanor and Christian values became so much a part of you.
Love, Sister Susan
****************************************
Grandchildrens Memories
The best part about going to Papas, was we all knew it was going to be the best time of our lives. From waking up in the morning to fresh peonies on the table from his flower garden, and to chocolate chip pancakes from Grammy, then going outdoors exploring the woods around their house, and eating honeysuckles or nibbling on fresh mulberries right off the trees, running barefoot in the backyard chasing butterflies and dragonflies. And then, right before it gets dark; collecting twigs and sticks for the campfires Papa would make for roasting our marshmallows to make "smores", while listening to reggae music. And Papa would always be smiling, ear to ear. I Love You Papa!
Your first Granddaughter, Gypsy Marie

************************************
Papa was always the Knight in Shining Armor! He always wanted to do everything for everyone. If he wasnt there, I dont know who Id be.
Ill never forget the times we spent together playing Scrabble and hiking in the woods. Everything I do, will remind me of him, and hell always be with me.
Granddaughter, Legacy
**********************************
Papa always kept me motivated, and he encouraged me to do the things I love. I remember he took me to my Choir audition in the 4th grade. When I got accepted, he was very excited for me. After that, he took me to practice every Tuesday after school. He took me to every concert I had even though he knew they might not be the best. After that, Ive taken choir every chance that I had. Thank you, Papa!
Granddaughter, Zyrah

***********************************
Some of the favorite activities of Papa and grandson Axis (as told by Grandma Janey):
Playing in all the parks
Outside "fixing cars"
Playing on the trampoline
Taking care of the dogs
Helping Papa fill the birdfeeders
Playing in any pool, all during the hot summerPhil and Axis were both "waterbabies"one time these "waterbabies" gave me a huge pink flamingo swimming float, even bigger than the pool we had at the timethey were perfectly silly.
Papa liked to capture Axis at all the great times on video. Grandpa liked to spoil Axis. One day Axis told me that his new name was "TAD". I said, "Huh?" and Papa Phils reply was "Toy A Day". A private funny.
Papa is in that beautiful boy.
****************************************
Uncle Philip, my dear godfather, and an incredible inspiration to me. His gentle strength and fun-loving nature......When we were children, my brother Eric and I couldnt wait for Uncle Philip to come to our house. Ill never forget his warm welcoming hugs, that you could feel right in your very soul! He left me such a wonderful inheritancehis beautiful gentle spirit has and always will be something for me to pass on to others! I love you, Uncle Philip!
Your niece, Barbara

***********************************
Uncle Philip, you were seven years older than I was, which was the right age for an older brother. We would often stay for a week at a time with Grandma and Grandpa, and since you were still living at home, and the baby of the family, at times you got to play the role of big brother to me and my siblings. I remember you carrying me piggyback around the large back yard, making me feel like a giant on your shoulders. I remember when your eyeglasses had to be replaced, I would wear your old frames, just so I could emulate you. And when I dreamt at night that I could fly, it was always you down below encouraging me to fly higher, playfully jumping up as if to catch me. I so admired you, Uncle Philip, and had my first crush on you, sensing safety, care and goodness in you and hoping for such kindness in my future life. In a way, I think of you as having prepared me to accept the gift of my husband Joe in my far-off future, by your kindness and gentleness in my childhood. Another gift that you leave for me is my awareness off your cadence in life, never in a hurry, always in the present moment. Strong, steady, slow growing, and reliable, like a favorite tree, the gingko, you will stand rooted in our heart gardens forever.
We will all join you one day again, and hope you find us better people than when you left us, taking example from the best of yourself to grow more mature, more beautiful, and more bountiful as we were intended by God, and were well tended and nurtured, by you. Thank you for all that you are.
With love, your niece, Nancy

Philip Louis Zemaitis was born on May 26, 1954, which, in Catholic Church tradition, is the feast day of St. Philip. Therefore, his Dad, decided that it was most appropriate to name this baby boy for the saint of the day. His parents were Ann Elizabeth (Visnosky) and Charles James Zemaitis, and his older siblings were Charlotte Anne (Richard Horvatic), Charles James, Jr. (Margaret) (both now deceased), Susan Marie (John Osborne), Rita Sharon (John Eads) & David Michael Zemaitis (Anna Gharst).

Philip attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic grade school, & Ward and Wyandotte High Schools in Kansas City, Kansas. Philip and his first wife, Tanya (Powers) had three daughters, Sheri, Katherine (Katie) and Tamra. After their marriage ended in divorce, Philip later met and married his soul mate, Janey (Fisher). On July 11,2017, they celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Philip and Janey enjoyed spending time with their granddaughters, Gypsy, Legacy, Zyrah, and grandson, Axis, as well as their family dogs, Dudley and Tai. A true lover of nature, Philip worked many years as a landscaper, often using his love and knowledge of trees to guide his clients in the choosing of and caring for their trees. He also worked as a flooring custodian for Research and Truman Hospitals. Philip found his niche when he found a sales position in the home furnishings department of the Jones Store in Mission, KS, where he enjoyed working with people, and got great satisfaction in helping his customers make pleasing choices by his suggestions of color, placement, and style.

In his retirement, Philip became involved with the care and guidance of his four grandchildren, teaching them many life lessons, and instilling in them his own love and appreciation of nature, as well as the importance of a good education, and being kind to people and animals. His deep faith and laid-back demeanor was very much like his own dad's, who had a quiet, unassuming personality, as well. We will remember his gentle nature and pensive demeanor, coupled with his quick wit and healthy sense of humor, as well as his patience and endurance, which were among his finest qualities as a fellow human being.

The following messages are from his family: FIRE, WIND, WATER AND AIR
He was all of that to me, and more. Loved by men, women, children, animals. He never knew a stranger, and no one was safe from his spirit of love. He SO loved the outdoors-it was such a part of him, to be outdoors as much as he could. He and I were soul mates from the first time we met. He had such a giving nature; always willing to share his time and do for his family and others. Last year, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary, and now even though I cannot imagine how life will be without him; I count having him in my life for over twenty-five years as a great blessing, and my hearts treasure. Philips wife, Janey **************************************** Philip, I loved your calming, laid back demeanor, your smiling, always accepting presence, which allowed all who encountered you to feel warmly welcomed regardless of time of day or day of week. Your gentle ways, and your patient and easy- going manner, were qualities I really admired. They were so much like our Dads, and both Grandpas. Your philosophy of life was one which seemed to come from old sages and wise men of centuries past. You were a thinker, dreamer, philosopher and friend to all. Your intense love of nature and the natural world truly made you a man of all seasons. Philip, the difference in our ages made our lives so very different; not running in parallel lines, like most siblings, but in spite of that, we came to know each other in later years, as good friends and confidants. I will always regret those lost years, which raced by, as we each lived out our own lives, in separate worlds. Even though we pursued and followed different paths, we still felt as kindred spirits. Whenever life afforded us an opportunity to connect with each other, we enjoyed catching up with each others news, noting new things we had learned or had become aware of which we felt would be of use or interest to one another in the various pursuits of each others lives. I shall miss you and love you, always, and hope to see you someday in the Heavenly Home our Lord Jesus promised to all His people. Big Sister, Charlotte ***************************************** May the Peace of Jesus be with you, Philip. I will love you, always, dear brother! Brother David ***************************************** He did not have a lot of laurels accorded to him, nor corporate titles behind his name, be he lived his life as a kind and gentle man, a friend to his fellow man. A nature lover, birds and bees, animals, plants and trees, fascinated him, and he would marvel on learning some new and interesting fact about them, and would double his pleasure, by sharing his new discovery with others of like mindedness or not. He always had a close relationship with his four grandchildren, with whom he was a kindred spirit; playful, joyous laughter would abound when they were around. And he was always teaching life lessons when an opportune moment presented itself. His tender and fun-loving nature, and the happy memories they shared, will always keep him forever in their hearts. Baby brother Philip, we knew you also through your gentle eyes. You were always so calm, so constant. Our Mother was your proudest admirer. Our dads calm demeanor and Christian values became so much a part of you. Love, Sister Susan **************************************** Grandchildrens Memories The best part about going to Papas, was we all knew it was going to be the best time of our lives. From waking up in the morning to fresh peonies on the table from his flower garden, and to chocolate chip pancakes from Grammy, then going outdoors exploring the woods around their house, and eating honeysuckles or nibbling on fresh mulberries right off the trees, running barefoot in the backyard chasing butterflies and dragonflies. And then, right before it gets dark; collecting twigs and sticks for the campfires Papa would make for roasting our marshmallows to make "smores", while listening to reggae music. And Papa would always be smiling, ear to ear. I Love You Papa! Your first Granddaughter, Gypsy Marie ************************************ Papa was always the Knight in Shining Armor! He always wanted to do everything for everyone. If he wasnt there, I dont know who Id be. Ill never forget the times we spent together playing Scrabble and hiking in the woods. Everything I do, will remind me of him, and hell always be with me. Granddaughter, Legacy ********************************** Papa always kept me motivated, and he encouraged me to do the things I love. I remember he took me to my Choir audition in the 4th grade. When I got accepted, he was very excited for me. After that, he took me to practice every Tuesday after school. He took me to every concert I had even though he knew they might not be the best. After that, Ive taken choir every chance that I had. Thank you, Papa! Granddaughter, Zyrah *********************************** Some of the favorite activities of Papa and grandson Axis (as told by Grandma Janey): Playing in all the parks Outside "fixing cars" Playing on the trampoline Taking care of the dogs Helping Papa fill the birdfeeders Playing in any pool, all during the hot summerPhil and Axis were both "waterbabies"one time these "waterbabies" gave me a huge pink flamingo swimming float, even bigger than the pool we had at the timethey were perfectly silly. Papa liked to capture Axis at all the great times on video. Grandpa liked to spoil Axis. One day Axis told me that his new name was "TAD". I said, "Huh?" and Papa Phils reply was "Toy A Day". A private funny. Papa is in that beautiful boy. **************************************** Uncle Philip, my dear godfather, and an incredible inspiration to me. His gentle strength and fun-loving nature......When we were children, my brother Eric and I couldnt wait for Uncle Philip to come to our house. Ill never forget his warm welcoming hugs, that you could feel right in your very soul! He left me such a wonderful inheritancehis beautiful gentle spirit has and always will be something for me to pass on to others! I love you, Uncle Philip! Your niece, Barbara *********************************** Uncle Philip, you were seven years older than I was, which was the right age for an older brother. We would often stay for a week at a time with Grandma and Grandpa, and since you were still living at home, and the baby of the family, at times you got to play the role of big brother to me and my siblings. I remember you carrying me piggyback around the large back yard, making me feel like a giant on your shoulders. I remember when your eyeglasses had to be replaced, I would wear your old frames, just so I could emulate you. And when I dreamt at night that I could fly, it was always you down below encouraging me to fly higher, playfully jumping up as if to catch me. I so admired you, Uncle Philip, and had my first crush on you, sensing safety, care and goodness in you and hoping for such kindness in my future life. In a way, I think of you as having prepared me to accept the gift of my husband Joe in my far-off future, by your kindness and gentleness in my childhood. Another gift that you leave for me is my awareness off your cadence in life, never in a hurry, always in the present moment. Strong, steady, slow growing, and reliable, like a favorite tree, the gingko, you will stand rooted in our heart gardens forever. We will all join you one day again, and hope you find us better people than when you left us, taking example from the best of yourself to grow more mature, more beautiful, and more bountiful as we were intended by God, and were well tended and nurtured, by you. Thank you for all that you are. With love, your niece, Nancy
.


SERVICES Funeral Mass
Saturday, April 14, 2018 12:00 PM
St. Patrick Catholic Church 1086 N.95th St. Kansas City, Kansas 66112