Kathleen Mulder

For those who knew our mom beyond the surface, this obituary reflects the essence of Kathleen (Kathy) Anne Mulder, 76, formerly of Hot Springs, AR passed away on October 4, 2024 at St. Chi Vincent’s Hospital in Hot Springs, AR. She was born April 12, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to Robert and Mary Anne Wilson. After high school, she attended Hope College earning her Bachelor of Arts and Michigan

State University earning her Master of Science. Her love of biology led her to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where she worked for 12 years before taking a position as a Wetlands Biologist/Ecologist with the Environmental Protection Agency until 2007. Kathy received numerous awards over the years for her exceptional work protecting our nation’s waterways and wetlands.

Kathy was an avid reader and writer, had a love of learning and enjoyed crafting/arts of all kinds. She was especially passionate about her Scottish ancestry and after retiring was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Scotland.

Kathy is survived by her two children- Robert (Jennie) Mulder of Rushville, IL and Kristen (Jeff) Jones of Hot Springs, AR and six grandchildren- Kelsey, Matthew, Tyler, Gabe, Kellen and Kaiden. Cremation rites have been accorded. At her request, there will be a private family viewing.

To her family, she was so much more: intelligent, beautifully complex, and wonderfully eccentric. She had a deep love for nature, often pointing out every flower and tree during our drives or walks, sharing their names along with their scientific classifications. While we may not have appreciated it as children, we grew to secretly cherish these moments as we got older. Her passion for nature inspired me to do the same with my children, pointing out Queen Anne's Lace and Brown-Eyed Susans—the flowers that remind me most of my mom. Each time we admire their beauty, we are reminded of how her vibrant spirit lives on in heaven.

My brother and I knew just how to make her laugh and roll her eyes at the ridiculous things we would say to shock her. We could engage in hour-long conversations, the three of us, filled with nonstop laughter. For many years, it was just the three of us until my brother and I found the loves of our lives, expanding the laughter and joy within our family. She loved us all deeply and was immensely proud of our accomplishments and her grandchildren.

My mom was compassionate and always lent an ear to those in need. She made a difference in people's lives by providing a voice of wisdom and offering a listening heart when someone needed to talk. We knew we could call her at any time to share something joyous or traumatic; she was always there for us.

I know she is watching over us now, ensuring that we are as well as I promised her we would be the day I held her hand and assured her we would all be all right, just before she peacefully passed. We love you, Mom and Grandma. It is difficult to navigate this life without you, but we find comfort in knowing that we will be reunited with you in heaven. Rest in peace, Mom.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Kathy Mulder to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Your contributions will help continue the important work of these organizations in providing care, research, and support to those affected by these challenges. Thank you for honoring Kathy’s memory in this meaningful way.