Pauline E. Fishel

Pauline Fishel, 88, of Colby, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Fairview Estates, Colby.

She was born on August 28, 1937, in Hill City, KS, to Lewis and Maude Dean. On December 20, 1958, she married the love of her life, Duane Herbert Fishel of Bemidji, MN. Pauline and Duane shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2023. Together, they raised three children: Carla, Terri, and Darren.

Pauline pursued higher education at Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. She dedicated her career to teaching, sharing her passion for math in several Kansas communities, including Hope, Bogue, Kensington, Salina, and at Marymount University. In 1990, Pauline and Duane made their home in Colby, where she continued to inspire students at Colby Community College until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Duane; her parents, Lewis and Maude; her sister, Evelyn; and her daughters, Carla and Terri.

Pauline leaves behind her son, Darren (Gina) Fishel of Salina, KS; her grandchildren, Jason Centner of Texas, Hannah (Brett) Bandy of Colby, KS, Alexis Nelson of Salina, KS, and Dillon Fishel of Portland, OR; as well as three great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Zoey, and Teddy Bandy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Baalmann Mortuary in Colby, KS. A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Colby United Methodist Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For additional information or to share condolences, please visit baalmannmortuary.com.