Kathy Jill (Hinkle) Pohlman

Kathy Jill (Hinkle) Pohlman, On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Kathy Pohlman, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend passed away at the age of 71 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kathy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the only child of Herbert J. and Lois (Gregory) Hinkle. She attended Lawrence Central High School and graduated with the class of 1971. Soon after graduation, Kathy moved to San Diego with her husband, Rick Pohlman, after getting married at just 18 years old. They moved back to Indiana shortly after Rick finished his military service and remained there until just last year. She had two children, Shannon and Rich, to whom she devoted her full time until they were in school. In fact, she liked their preschool (Learning Time) so much, she decided to stay for more than 35 years working to help it grow from a few classrooms in a church to three independent centers across Indianapolis. In late 2023 she and Rick moved from their native Indiana to the mountains of Monument, Colorado. Kathy was smart and sassy, much younger than her 71 years, with a wicked sense of humor, quick wit, and a genuine laugh. She loved to stay in touch with family and friends and could talk on the phone for hours. She could be a “girly girl” with her makeup, moisturizer, wardrobe, a little harmless gossip, and, of course, standing appointments with her hair stylist. And then there was her shopping. Not a shopaholic, but definitely an enthusiastic shopper and gift giver who knew how to make a room sparkle with smiles on Christmas morning. Kathy was also curious and cultured. A voracious reader, always up on current events. She also enjoyed live musical performances (especially when family members were involved). And once her husband Rick could pry her away from her faithful pups, she thoroughly enjoyed her vacations and international travel and felt grateful for the experiences. She also loved her gym and classes in New Palestine, Indiana. The friends she saw there regularly kept her buoyant through difficult times. But nothing made Kathy happier than to be surrounded by family, good friends, and the many dogs she had throughout her life. She and Rick frequently hosted holiday dinners, with Rick doing the cooking and she taste-testing while skillfully keeping folks out of his way. These two were absolute partners in every aspect of life. Kathy adored her kids and grandkids and was fiercely proud of her fun-loving, globe-trotting, accomplished, close-knit family. She was devoted and loyal to family and friends. Lest you think we were always angelic and worthy of such devotion, be assured we were not always so. But she loved us. She accepted us as we are. That may be her sweetest, kindest legacy and certainly a life lesson for us all. You who are reading this and know her, will readily attest to her kindness and other loveable qualities. Hopefully, you will remember the good times you shared with her and have a smile. She was wonderful. To us, Kathy is irreplaceable and already greatly missed. If it’s possible to do, she will undoubtedly haunt us playfully, reminding us to exercise (and then sneak a piece of chocolate), and host us each for dinner when it’s our turn to join her. A Celebration of Life will be Friday, October 11, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with sentiments being shared from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 East 10th Street, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Kathy is survived by her beloved high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 52 years, Richard I. Pohlman, Jr.; her cherished children, Shannon (Brett) Lakes and Richard I. Pohlman III (Ingrid Andersson); her treasured grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Mia Lakes, and Blue and Jesse Pohlman; and her constant companion (goodest boy) Finn. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her faithful dogs, Toby, Maggie, Mika, Casey, and Tucker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Kathy to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org

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Kathy Jill (Hinkle) Pohlman

July 17, 1953 - September 19, 2024