Kathleen Friedrichs

Kathleen Friedrichs, 62, of Ogden, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, surrounded by her family. Kathy lived with ovarian cancer for nine years, having been diagnosed in 2004.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2014, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ogden. Father James Bruch will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lacona, Iowa, at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be Friday, from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., at St. John's Catholic Church in Ogden. For online obituaries and condolences please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Kathleen Yvonne Dittmer was born on September 2, 1951, in Indianola, Iowa, to Jerome and Roseanna (Klein) Dittmer. Kathy graduated with the Southeast Warren High School class of 1969. She went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Iowa, and then her Master's Degree from Iowa State University.

On June 16, 1973, Kathy was united in marriage to Daniel Friedrichs at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lacona, Iowa. This union was blessed with two daughters: Kristen and Kassie. Kathy taught business education in Marshalltown, Plainfield, and Ottumwa schools. She later taught special education in Perry for 27 years, retiring in 2008. Kathy and Dan have made their home in Ogden since 1986.

Kathy was a lifelong educator who believed every child had the ability to learn. She was also an inspiration and mentor to her colleagues throughout her teaching career. Since 2008, she was a part of both the Boone and Perry Retired Teachers. Kathy was a loving, caring and devoted friend, wife, daughter, and mother. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Dan Friedrichs of Ogden, Iowa; two daughters, Kristen Friedrichs of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Kassie Friedrichs of Denver, Iowa; her parents, Jerome and Roseanna Dittmer of Lacona, Iowa; three sisters, Delores (Michael) Schurman of Prospect Heights, Illinois, Elaine (Robert Thomas) Stuart of Wichita, Kansas, and Laura (Dave) Mesecher of Des Moines, Iowa; one brother, Rodney (Sherry) Dittmer of Lacona, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be left to either HOMEWARD Hospice or the William R. Bliss Cancer Center of Ames, Iowa.