Kathleen Joanne Fischer

Kathleen Fischer, 88, died January 29 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She was born in 1937 near Forest River, North Dakota, the daughter of Warren and Clara (Siverson) Poole.

Kathleen grew up on a farm with her seven siblings. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and a masters degree in speech pathology from the University of Washington, where she met and married fellow North Dakotan Henry Fischer in 1962. Kathleen and Hank moved to Minnesota where they welcomed son Tim, followed by moves to Seattle, Boston, and finally Denver, where they settled down and welcomed daughter Amy. Kathleen worked as a speech therapist and then as principal of a school for children with intellectual disabilities, but really hit her professional stride teaching third grade at Lois Lenski Elementary School in Centennial.

Kathleen was profoundly kind, generous, and encouraging, and brought her North Dakota tenacity to every situation. She touched generations of students who appreciated her kindness and sense of fun. She approached life with an enthusiastic, “Of course we can do that!” spirit and was unfailingly generous with her time, talents, and love.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hank Fischer, her parents, and her seven siblings. She is survived by son Tim (Karen), daughter Amy (Chris Min), grandchildren Haley Fischer and Patrick Min, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She will be deeply missed.

Kathleen’s family is grateful to the amazing staff at Wind Crest Mill Vista Lodge for their care during her final weeks.

Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Rocky Mountain PBS.