The Kathy Zielke-Duffenbach Memorial Fund was established by Kathy's coworkers at St. Joseph's Hospital to honor her memory and lifelong dedication to respiratory care. Kathy worked at the hospital as a licensed Respiratory Therapist from 1972 until her passing in 1996. Her fellow hospital team created this fund to help provide affordable and accessible support to students who pursue a career in Respiratory Therapy just like Kathy did.

Creating a charitable fund through the Community Foundation is a meaningful way to make a lasting difference in memory of someone dear to you. When you establish an endowed fund, the gift becomes a permanent source of support for the community. Kathy's fund is carefully invested, and a portion of the earnings are used each year to provide grants that address important local needs. This approach ensures that local generosity has an impact not only today, but for generations to come. The original gift, along with all future earnings, remains a lasting source of community capital dedicated to positive change.

In recognition of Kathy's passion to respiratory therapy, 100% of available funds to grant each year will go to the CVTC Foundation to support the Technical College's Respiratory Therapy Program all in memory of Kathy Zielke-Duffenbach.