Katherine Elaine Prothe

Kathy was born May 23, 1936, in Zeeland, North Dakota, to Ben and Barbara (Holzer) Wolf. She attended nursing school in Bismarck, North Dakota, and moved to Colorado after graduation. There she met her husband, Melvin Prothe, who came to visit a hospitalized relative who happened to be one of her patients. They married on September 1, 1962, and together built a life centered on family and friendships.

Kathy devoted 35 years to her work as a registered nurse, a career she truly loved and an outlet for her boundless kindness and compassion. She touched so many lives that people often stopped her in public to share how they were recovering from illness or injury, and she never failed to listen. She made people feel cared for and remembered.

She was feisty and fun, and had definite ideas about The Way To Do Things. Whether tending her immaculate house and yard or preparing a holiday dinner, everything was done with great care. She enjoyed playing cards, taking long walks, and spending time with her many friends. She understood that to have a friend is to be one, and she was one of the best.

Kathy treasured gatherings with both the Wolf and Prothe families. She felt very much at home in Colorado while remaining deeply connected to her Zeeland roots. She and Melvin shared 52 years of marriage before Melvin’s death. Throughout her life, Kathy remained devoted to her church and family.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Karen Sommer (Paul); her son Brad Prothe (Shannah Thompson and Shannah’s children, Mark and Elsie); her grandchildren, Christine Prothe, Leah Sommer, and Lauren Sommer; and her sisters, Barbara Ireland (Bob), and Alice Rypkema (Ed), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents; and her siblings, Marie Sims (Ben), Bernette Rempfer (Ron), Raymond Wolf (Helen, who survives him), and Unna Uhlich (Reinie).

Kathy will be remembered with gratitude and love by all who knew her. Her kindness, bright spirit, and dedication to others will be a lasting part of her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a charitable donation to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 3000 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634.

A Memorial Service for Kathy will be held on October 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3000 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634. An Inurnment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.