Kathleen Fischer Probst
Kathleen Fischer Probst, 95, Indianapolis, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020. She was born in Glenwood, Minnesota on May 23, 1924 to William H. and Oline E. (Hegg) Fischer. Kathleen Fischer grew up in Glenwood, MN, located on Lake Minnewaska and graduated from Glenwood High School. She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald W. Probst of Indianapolis, brothers William W. “Bun” Fischer of Alexandria, and Keith R. Fischer of Glenwood. Surviving are brother Henry E. Fischer (Betty) of Detroit Lakes and sister-in-law Sandra Fischer of Alexandria.
From the age of 5, Kathleen was a girl who had a dream to become a professional figure skater. Although she never had a formal lesson, she worked hard, learned from other skaters, and made her dream come true by auditioning and being selected to join the prestigious Shipstads and Johnson Ice Follies based in Minneapolis, MN in 1944. She performed in principal cities all across the US from Seattle to Madison Square Gardens. Kathleen continued to skate throughout her life with the Indianapolis Winter Club until the age of 82.
After her skating career, Kathleen married Gerald W. Probst from Morris, MN who was a Navy veteran of WWII. They lived in Minneapolis while he completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota and then moved to Indianapolis where Dr. Probst began his career with Eli Lilly and Company. They celebrated 62 years of marriage on August 18, 2008. They are the parents of Gregory S. (Karen), Douglas E. (Lynda), Michael J. Probst, and Jennifer (John) Connor; nine grandchildren: Matthew and Kristen, Bradley (Erma), Suzanne and David, Kyle and Erik Probst, Katelyn and Grace Connor; and two great grandchildren Gabe and Jude Probst.
Mrs. Probst was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She had a deep love for her family which was a great source of pride and joy to her. She was never happier than being surrounded by her family during the holidays, family dinners and get togethers. She enjoyed entertaining, always set a beautiful table and was a gracious hostess.
Mrs. Probst was also an accomplished oil and water color artist with her favorite subject matter being flowers, many from her own garden. She took art lessons for many years at the Indianapolis Art Center.
Mrs. Probst was a member of St. Lawrence and Our Lady of Mt Carmel parishes. Hers was a life formed by faith and virtue and it showed in everything she did. Kathleen was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She was a kind, caring and gracious person. She possessed a remarkable quality for cheerfulness, a sense of the positive and a gift of inner happiness which animated her spirit and endeared her to family, friends, and acquaintances alike. She was a beloved figure and was able to bring happiness to others simply by smiling and being happy herself. No words can adequately describe how much she will be missed, our dear beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Arrangements were handled by Leppert Mortuary with a private service followed by interment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN on April 16, 2020. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.LeppertMortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Carmel, IN; the Indianapolis Art Center, Indpls, IN; or your favorite charity.