Patricia Ann Kolbeck

Patricia Kolbeck, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1972, died

Unexpectedly on December 15, 2015, after a brief illness.

She was born June 26, 1938, on a farm near Windthorst, KS. She attended

Windthorst elementary and secondary schools and was Valedictorian of her high

School graduating class.

Patty’s undergraduate college years were spent at Saint Mary of the Plains in

Dodge City, KS, and in Wichita at Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing. She obtained her

Bachelor of Science degree in 1965. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for

Her advanced degree in education.

Patty entered the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 and received the Honor Graduate

Award from Medical Field Service School in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During her

Active duty service she achieved the rank of Major. She was honorably discharged

In 1969.

She worked in a Pittsburgh, PA hospital until 1972, when she moved to Colorado

Springs, CO. Patty was employed at Saint Francis and Penrose Hospital for 10 years.

During this time she was promoted to Emergency Room Manager. She was also

employed there as Director of Quality Control.

She then turned her education skills toward children. She was employed by

School District 11 in Special Education. She retired in 1994.

Animals were very special to her, especially dogs. She loved playing guitar,

singing, writing music, bicycling and hiking. She enjoyed sports and all outdoor

activities.

Patty is survived by one sister, Peggy Torline of Dodge City, KS, as well as by one

niece, Glynis Ewy (Jon) and two nephews, Doug Torline (Sue) and Kelly Torline.

She is also survived by many great--‐nieces and nephews.

There will be a Rosary at 7p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Corpus Christi Catholic

Church, 2318 North Cascade Avenue. A Memorial Mass will be said Thursday,

January 7, also at Corpus Christi. Private interment will take place at a later date in

Windthorst, KS.

Donations may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade

Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.