Kathryn "Katy" Ann Askeland

Kathryn "Katy" Ann Askeland, 57, of Lenexa, KS, passed away on January 2, 2026. She was born on June 20, 1968, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was raised in a close-knit family that valued love, education, and social justice.

Katy graduated from Notre Dame De Sion High School in Kansas City in 1986, and continued her education at Truman State in Kirksville, Missouri where she met friends that would last a lifetime. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Truman State, then moved back to Kansas City to start her professional life in customer service.

Beyond her career, Katy could often be found engaging with her hobbies and interests. A former athlete as a child, she retained a love for sports, particularly enjoying watching baseball. She relentlessly rooted for her beloved Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs through thick and thin. She enjoyed playing in her fantasy baseball league with her friends and son, Drew, for over two decades. She won the league this last season, even as she became very ill.

Her fierce passion extended beyond personal interests; she was an unwavering advocate for human rights, dedicating herself to activism that promoted equity and justice.

Katy will be remembered fondly not only for her convictions and accomplishments but also for her warmth. Though she often exhibited a shy and reserved demeanor, her friends and family knew her to be deeply compassionate and supportive.

She leaves behind her beloved son, Andrew (Emma) Lasater; her mother, Jan Askeland; her brother, Paul (Chris) Askeland and nephew Braden Askeland; her former husband and friend, Patrick Lasater; and friend, Dan Art. She was preceded in death by her cherished father, D. Dean Askeland.

Katy's spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, advocacy, and unwavering support for others will be deeply missed.

Our family is deeply grateful for the outstanding and compassionate care she received from multidisciplinary caregivers at The University Of Kansas Medical Center over the past fifteen years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to one of Katy's favorite organizations, namely Project 1020 (a local cold weather shelter co-founded by her father), Doctors Without Borders, or your local no-kill animal shelter.

A celebration of life to honor Katy’s memory will be held in the coming weeks.