Kathryn Louise Young

January 22, 1922 - October 8, 2013 Kathryn Louise “Katie” Kinkel Young January 22, 1922 - October 8, 2013 Katie, age 91, lived nearly her entire life in Arvada. She was born in Littleton CO to Ben and Clarrinda “Peggy” (Simms) Kinkel. In 1924, Ben Peggy, along with Peggy's parents, Theodore and Nettie (Fessenden) Simms moved to Arvada. Katie attended the Arvada School, having Miss Helen E. Lawrence as her first grade teacher. Katie and her younger sister Marge were inseparable throughout their lives, and were known as “those Kinkel girls” by everyone in this small town. Family was always important, and weekend dinners were with the grandparents Kinkel in Littleton and the grandparents Simms in Arvada. Every summer, the family visited Ben's sister Edna in Steamboat Springs. In high school, she was a member of the pep club and aspired to be a cheerleader, a goal which she achieved. She graduated with the Arvada High School Class of 1940, the largest class ever to graduate with 71 students. Many of these graduates started kindergarten together at the Arvada School, later renamed Helen E. Lawrence Elementary School. Katie went to work at Arvada Telephone, working the late night shift. Many a time she was startled by the Town marshal, who watched over the operators on that overnight shift. Later she transferred to the Denver office, commuting on the trolley. Katie married classmate Jack Young by the large fireplace in her parent's home on August 15, 1943. They nurtured four children: Susan, John, Nancy, and Tom. She was never idle and loved to socialize. She and fellow classmates formed a Day Club, where they would socialize while knitting, quilting, crocheting or creating embroidery. She played pinochle once a month with friends and was active in her children's PTAs. Katie helped Jack with his championship summer league baseball team by scheduling practices and arranging refreshments after the games. Her social activities grew when Jack joined the Elks Club and several Masonic organizations, in addition to his work as an Arvada Volunteer fireman. She and the other “widows” helped with these organizations' events and fundraisers. She and Jack also joined the Arvada Cemetery Association Board. Jack died unexpectedly in December 1979, after 36 years of marriage. Katie filled her time with traveling, needlepoint, and her sister's newest hobby, creating Hawaiian quilts. Katie visited Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, New York City, Austria, Slovenia, and took several Caribbean cruises, as well as throughout the United States. She also reconnected with her high school classmate, Frank Tomsic, who had started a “button box” (accordion) band. She loved to dance, and enjoyed socializing while helping out with the group's bingo. By 2003, her health was declining, and her daughter moved in to help out. While her socializing slowed down as her friends passed away, she volunteered for the Arvada Historical Society, of which she was a charter member. Their headquarters, historic McIlvoy House, became Katie's home away from home, and she made many new friends there. Katie passed quietly into the next world at Collier Hospice in Wheat Ridge, CO, with her daughter Nancy and friends at her side. She is survived by sister Marjorie (Ralph) Kerr, brother Benton (Mary) Kinkel; daughters Susan (Dan) Westervelt of Anchorage AK, Nancy of Arvada CO, and son John of Washington state. Three grandchildren Jason Westervelt of Anchorage AK, Allison (Jeremy) Lyon of Jacksonville, FL, and Travis (Moira) Westervelt of Fairbanks, AK. Five great grandchildren, Gabriel Lyon, Michael Lyon, Isabella Kathryn Lyon, Oliver Westervelt, and Hazel Westervelt. Predeceased by husband John J. "Jack" Young and son Thomas Young. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Arvada Historical Society, Laradon Hall, Collier Hospice, or your favorite charity. Memorial service October 28, Arvada Elks Lodge, 12 noon.