Kathy Ohrt

On Sunday, March 9 Kathy passed away peacefully at the age of 75 after a lifelong battle with multiple sclerosis. Kathy was born in Waterloo, Iowa on July 30, 1949.

Kathy grew up in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa. From the beginning she was fun loving and a bit feisty, and as so many people know, she blazed her own trail. When Kathy was 23 years old she met her husband Jim. Together they built a home in Hudson, Iowa with their three children, Paul, Scott and Heidi. Kathy was a loving, caring, funny, smart, and hard working wife and mother. She loved to cook and bake, and filled the house with the wonderful smells of meals like her homemade beef and noodles, breads, pies, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. "Chatty" Kathy loved to talk and you could talk with her about anything. She was so supportive and had unwavering confidence in her husband, all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandson often telling them "I have faith in you, you've got this!" Kathy was so proud of them all and she would regale anyone who would listen with stories of their antics and accomplishments. She always had a special love for dogs from her childhood dog, Sally, to her family dogs, Derek, Max, and Brodie.

Kathy was a lifelong nurse. First graduating from Hawkeye Tech in 1972 with her LPN, then graduating in 1981 with her RN, finally culminating with graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with her BSN in 1986. She set such a clear example for her children, showing them that through hard work, dedication, and education they could accomplish anything. Throughout these years she worked as a nurse for Dr. Smith's office, then at Covenant Medical Center as a psych nurse.

In 1986, with Paul and Scott in college at Iowa State, Kathy moved with Jim and Heidi to San Diego, California. Once there, she continued her career in psychiatric nursing first helping veterans at the VA hospital and then at Mesa Vista Hospital. While her time in California was filled with sunshine, new friends and career accomplishments, Kathy missed her family in the Midwest. Once Heidi was solidly in college at San Diego State, Kathy and Jim started a new chapter in Rochester, Minnesota in 1991. While living in Minnesota, Kathy and Jim welcomed grandchildren Ross and Anna into the world. Kathy worked at the Mayo Clinic and she loved the compassionate, patient-centered, and innovative aspects of that exceptional hospital organization. During this time she began to have more issues with her MS and retired from nursing. Even after retiring, she remained passionate about her career and utilized this knowledge throughout her own medical challenges. After finally being persuaded by Jim to get a scooter for better mobility she never let her limitations from MS stop her. She and Jim got a van with hand controls and would drive wherever the wind carried her. She loved going shopping, to the casino for a bit of entertainment, visiting family in Waterloo, and of course visiting Paul, Jane, Ross and Anna in Des Moines. She and Jim took multiple trips to San Diego throughout these years to welcome Brittany, Zack, and Kiley into the world. They would especially come to San Diego every year to celebrate Brittany's birthday.

In 2007, Kathy and Jim decided to switch gears and head back to the West Coast. They settled in Laguna Hills, California where they could be close to their children Scott and Heidi and their families. Laguna Hills provided better weather for Kathy to get around all year long. She enjoyed visiting family, hosting family, shopping, exploring new places, and dining out with Jim at either fresh fish or Mexican restaurants. On weekdays she would sometimes drive herself to San Diego for a day of shopping and lunch with Heidi then they would pick up the grandkids from school for games and dinner. On the weekends she and Jim would spend time with Scott and Brittany, and Heidi, John, Zack and Kiley. With unwavering help from Jim, Kathy went everywhere in her wheelchair, from the beach to hiking. She also did everything! One of the biggest highlights for her was when she went skydiving with Scott, who she heartbreakingly lost in 2020. Even though Kathy was dealing with declining health for the past several years, she fought valiantly every single day. Jim was her rock and retired in 2019 to help her lovingly side-by-side as a team. She loved her family immensely and found so much pleasure in spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and three year old great grandson. Her bright smile, laugh and sparkling brown eyes are forever imprinted in our hearts and minds.

Kathy was a member of Saddleback Church and a believer in Jesus Christ. She loved singing worship songs not only in church but at home. Many times she would ask Alexa to play Chris Tomlin Radio and would sing along. We know she is in Heaven singing with the angels.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Delores Thrasher, and her son Scott. Kathy will be so lovingly remembered by her son Paul and daughter-in-law Jane of Waukee, Iowa; her grandchildren Ross and Anna of St Paul, Minnesota; her granddaughter Brittany of Portland, Oregon; her daughter Heidi and son-in-law John of San Diego, California; her grandson Zack and great-grandson Damien of San Diego, California; her granddaughter Kiley of San Diego, California; and her siblings and their spouses Mike & Stephany; Steve & Linda; Jan & Ed; and Pat & Ruth Ann; as well as her many nieces and nephews and their families.

There are so very many people to thank for caring for Kathy these past years. From our family to every one of her doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and home healthcare professionals - we thank you so much for the care you all lovingly provided.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held in Waterloo, Iowa at Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00am Central Time. The celebration will also be livestreamed for anyone who wishes to attend on-line.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your local church or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.