Born in Greiz, Thuringen, East Germany she was the daughter of the late Katharina and Hermann Johannes Ernst Guffert also of Germany. Kathy was a young girl growing up in Germany during WWII. She didn’t share many memories of that time but her experiences helped form the strong and caring person she grew to become.
Kathy met and married her late husband John E. Vetter while John was stationed in Munich, Germany during the Korean War. They were married in 1954 and were happily married for 56 years before John’s passing in 2010.
Arriving in the United States John and Kathy lived in Colorado Springs until John completed his service with the Air Force. John was honorably discharged in December of 1954 and the two then moved to Fort Collins. John and Kathy had two sons Kenneth John and Daniel Hardy.
Kathy was employed at the Colorado State University Bookstore where she excelled in learning English and the retail business. Kathy took to studying and completed her naturalization in 1958. She was very proud and honored to become a citizen of the United States.
John and Kathy made another bold move relocating to Laramie, Wyoming in 1973 and opening a women’s clothing store, The Connet Shop which they owned and operated until a fire forced them into early retirement in 1993.
While a business owner Kathy served as a board member of the Zonta Club of Laramie, WY. The Zonta Club of Laramie is part of Zonta International, a worldwide organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. Kathy held the position of President for 2 years and was also recognized as Zontian of the Year. Kathy was also included in Who’s Who of American Women, where she was recognized for her career accomplishments.
John and Kathy owned a cabin in Wold Tract, located in the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, for more than 40 years where they made many lifelong friends and memories. She enjoyed snowmobiling during the long winters and enjoyed the surrounding wildlife and wildflowers in the summer. It was quiet on the mountain and its beauty reminded her of Germany. During their retirement John and Kathy became snowbirds and spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Because of health reasons John and Kathy left the mountains of Wyoming and relocated back to Fort Collins in 2009. After many years as a homeowner Kathy was a resident of Brookdale Assisted Living and recently of Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab. We would like to thank those that cared for her and loved her.
She will be missed by many friends and especially by her family.
Kathy is survived by her brother, Eberhard (Anita) Guffert, of Gernlinden, Germany. Her sons Ken (Anne) of Fort Collins, CO and Dan (Sue) of Bisbee, AZ; grandchildren, Kyle (Krystle) Vetter of Fort Collins, CO, and Audrey Vetter of Greeley, CO, Jon Vetter of Laramie, WY, Nicole Vetter of Bisbee, AZ, as well as six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews both in Germany and here in the U.S.
A celebration of Kathy’s life in a private family gathering is planned. Kathy was not one wanting to be in the spotlight.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado.
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