Katherine Ann Frye Rosenthal

1952 - 2025

Katherine Ann Frye Rosenthal

November 13, 1952 - December 22, 2025

Katherine Ann Frye Rosenthal was born on Nov. 13, 1952, to Donald and Gertrude (Evers) Frye. She was the only girl in a house full of boys, a role she handled with strength, humor, and just enough sass to keep everyone in line.

Katie was a natural athlete and water lover. She worked as a lifeguard at Cody Pool and Halsey at 4-H camp, was a member of the very first swim team at North Platte High School, and even earned the title of Homecoming Queen in 1970. She graduated in 1971 and went on to attend Kearney State College, where she continued swimming on the college team for four years.

During her time there, she met Jeff Rosenthal during a winter storm and the rest was history.

On June 20, 1977, Katie began her long and dedicated career at the Lincoln County Welfare Office, where she served her community with compassion and a strong work ethic until her retirement in February 2018. That same summer, she married Jeff Rosenthal on Aug. 20, 1977, beginning a life filled with family, love, and controlled chaos.

Katie was a proud mom to Robbie (born June 1980), Becky (January 1983), and Kris (July 1984). If there was a field, gym, or practice somewhere in town, chances are Katie was there shuttling kids to and from activities like it was a sport of its own.

She was a devoted grandma to seven grandchildren who were truly the light of her world. She loved watching them play sports, cheering loudly from the sidelines, and soaking up every moment with them.

Katie also enjoyed a good gamble, before and after retirement, and made some of her favorite memories laughing, playing, and adventuring with her dear friend Kris in Wendover, Nevada.

In 2007–2008, Katie faced cancer with grace, strength, and determination, beating it the same way she handled most things in life: head-on and without losing her sense of humor.

Katie passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living, surrounded by her three children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff; granddaughter, Brooklyn Feltz; her parents; and her brother, Pat.

Left to miss her deeply are her children, Robbie (Angela), Becky (Bo) Feltz and Kris (Tracey); her grandchildren, Gavin, Bailey, Cooper, Reed, Karter and Chase; her brothers, Jim and Mike (Shari); and many nieces and nephews who were lucky to have her in their lives.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Homestead Assisted Living for loving their mom as one of their own. Special thanks to Renee, Judith, Payge, Yvette, Brooklyn, Kelly, Nikki and all the wonderful nurses and staff who brought comfort, kindness, and friendship to Katie in her final months.

Katie will be remembered for her strong spirit, quick wit, love of family, and the way she showed up every single time for the people she loved. She will be missed more than words can say.

Service is at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.