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. A proud graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, he also held a master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. His early experiences in teaching and the restaurant business led him into the retail wine trade, where he worked for 35 years.

From his first visit to the St. Croix Valley in 1968, Andy felt an immediate connection to the area. He was especially proud to have spent most of his adult life there, living, working, raising his family, and eventually retiring in the community he loved. Together with his family, he opened Sutler’s Wines & Spirits in Stillwater. He took great satisfaction in building the shop into one of the Twin Cities’ respected wine retailers, known for its knowledgeable staff and warm, welcoming service. His deep understanding of wine, combined with his love of cooking and natural talent for teaching, made him a trusted guide for customers seeking the perfect pairings. In Sutler’s tasting room and at local restaurants, he brought together winemakers and vineyard owners from around the world to share their knowledge and passion.

Andy’s commitment to the community ran deep. He served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including the St. Croix Friends of the Arts, the Stillwater Area Economic Development Corporation, the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, and Family Means. He volunteered for the school district, the food shelf, and the library, and served for ten years as Wine Ambassador for Canvas Health. For many years he sat on the board of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, and with his wife Ginny co-chaired the Music Education Fund there for thirteen years. In recognition of his dedication, he received an award for Outstanding Volunteer for Community Involvement.

He is survived by his wife Ginny of 55 years; his daughter Dana (Idris); his son Devin (Nicole); grandchildren Zev, Max, and Evee; his brother Michael (Charlene); and many cherished cousins, family members, and friends. Andy was a gentle man and a gentleman whose life was shaped by his love of art, theater, good books, classical and jazz music, cooking, and the joy of sharing meals and wine with people from around the world.