Kathy Krogstad

Kathy Krogstad (nee King), 69, of Fountain Hills passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Hospice of the Valley Eckstein Center in Scottsdale after a short illness.

She was born in the Bronx, N.Y. and settled in Rockaway Township, N.J. for more than 25 years before following her heart and moving to Fountain Hills in 2000.

Kathy dedicated her life to the service of others. She served in the U.S. Navy, as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Rockaway Township, a Special Police Officer in Rockaway Township, and a Corrections Officer for the Morris County (New Jersey) Sheriff’s Department. Many people may remember her as the Birchwood School crossing guard.

Kathy was instrumental in the development of the Morris County Sheriff's Department Reality Program, and the Fountain Hills Public Safety Awareness and Appreciation Day.

She was a volunteer driver in the Town of Fountain Hills, and Vice Chairman of the Fountain Hills Public Safety Advisory Commission.

She loved to crochet, and donated many of her creations to Project Linus and the VA.

Kathy’s compassion and empathy led her to her calling as a caring companion at the Arizona State Veterans Home (VA), where she volunteered for over 10 years. She made baked treats for all of the veterans and staff each week, and became known by the residents as “The cookie lady.”

Preceded in death by her loving husband Jay in 1997, she is survived by her sons, Erik and his wife, Jennifer of Rockaway Twp., N.J., and Kris and his wife Tara of Montague, N.J.; her sisters, Colleen Justice of Middletown, Pa., and Eileen Lang and husband Brian of Bellerose, N.Y.; brother-in-law Robert Dias and his wife Mary of Fairfax, Va.; her two grandchildren, Kiersten and Joshua; and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

At Kathy’s request, there will not be a viewing or funeral services. There will be celebrations of Kathy’s life in both Arizona and New Jersey. Please contact the family for details.

Kathy respected the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to any veteran’s organization such as The Wounded Warrior Project or K9s for Warriors.