Troy Kassing

Troy was born to Irwin S. and Helen Fry Leinbach on December 17, 1937 in Reading, Pennsylvania. At a very young age, alongside her brother Tyler and their mom, Troy moved to Mishawaka, Indiana to live with her maternal grandparents, Cora and Carl Fry. Cora, who was very caring and loving, impacted and shaped Troy’s life in lasting ways.

Smart, fun and motivated, Troy headed to Bloomington to study education at Indiana University. There, while they were both working in the dining hall, she met Bob Kassing, who was keenly interested in her from the start. They married between semesters of their senior year so Troy could do her student teaching in Bloomington.

After undergrad, Bob’s ROTC commitment took them to Ft. Riley, KS. Troy taught school there until their son David was born. They headed back to Bloomington for Bob to attend law school while Troy took care of David and other children as well. Troy and Bob developed many lifelong friendships during this time and welcomed daughter Lynne days after graduation. In 1964, the family moved to Indianapolis and put down roots. A few years later daughter Susan was born.

Generous and resourceful, Troy created a warm, welcoming home for all who entered. She found joy in sharing and helping others in any way that she could. Her giving nature extended to family, friends, neighbors and even the family pets which included dogs, a cat, a duckling, guinea pigs, boa constrictors (much to her mother-in-law’s dismay), Cayman alligators, and a piranha.

When the kids were in school, Troy served the community through organizations such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art as a long-time docent, Christamore House, the School for the Deaf and the Junior League of Indianapolis. She found great joy in meeting new people and serving those in need.

As the children were moving on to college, Troy pursued a second career as a social worker, receiving her MSW at IUPUI in 1985. She worked fulltime in the neonatal unit at Wishard Hospital (now Eskenazi) for thirteen years. She poured her heart and soul into helping many young women with their needs after they gave birth. Assisting the young mothers as they decided whether to place their child for adoption was a special gift of hers.

In 1988, Troy and Bob were blessed with the first of their eight grandchildren. Troy delighted in each one and created special times with them all. The oldest four grandchildren were treated to weekly “Cousins Club” which included everything from trips to Great Times, sleepovers and building igloos. Troy attended every event and activity possible to share in their lives.

Faith is woven throughout Troy’s life and inspired her choices and motivation as evidenced by her commitment to Bible studies and teaching Sunday school. Both she and Bob modeled this for their children and grandchildren.

Friends and travel were also integral to Troy’s life. She loved to learn and was keenly interested in history, cultures, art, and architecture. She and Bob had the joy of traveling extensively with dear friends. Traveling out west to National Parks with the kids in a pop-up camper was a family highlight. Some of their favorite family adventures were annual ski trips out west with another family. In the early days, Troy even sewed their ski clothes!

Troy loved everything family and is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob Kassing, her daughters Lynne Lundy and Susan (Russ) Sveen, daughter-in-law, Sherry Kassing, sister Jenni (Phil) Sinaikin; grandchildren Jordan (Lindsie) Kassing, Kirsten (Scott) Plakmeyer, Matthew Kassing, Carter (Olivia) Lundy, Madison Sveen, Erik Sveen, Luke Kassing and Sophia Kassing, and great grandchildren Norah, Elsie and Judah Plakmeyer and Lilly Kassing. Troy was preceded in death by her beloved son David Kassing and dear brother, Tyler Leinbach.

Troy was the glue and kept the family humming. She made every birthday and holiday special. We will be forever grateful for the gift of her life. Thank you to the exceptional staff at St. Vincent’s hospital who cared for her with kindness, professionalism, and grace. Thank you to Compassus Hospice for providing the resources for Troy to peacefully be at home.

Thank you to Suzanne and her team for their support.

Visitation will be held at Leppert Mortuary—Nora, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, on Thursday November 11, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2201 E. 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Troy’s name are suggested to: Wheeler Mission (especially for homeless women with children), PO Box 3085, Indianapolis, IN 46206; Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, 3737 Waldemere Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46241, Attn: Donor Services, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarynora.com for the Kassing Family.