Josephine C. Katzer

Josephine C. Katzer, age 100, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Golden Heights Living Center in Garnett, Kansas. She was born March 19, 1911, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Theresa (Zormier) Egidy. In 1893, Josephine's father, Henry, at the age of 16, came over by boat to the United States from Austria. Josephine, as well as her family, were all fluent in German and often spoke the language in their home. Her family moved to Kansas when Josephine was 6 months old. She attended Sutton Valley and Greeley schools. Josephine married Francis H. Katzer on September 15, 1931 at St. John's Catholic Church in Greeley. This union was blessed with six children, which were her greatest joy. She loved to attend barn dances and many were held on the homestead. She loved to work outside and enjoyed cooking which she started at the age of 14. She made everything from scratch from pies, bread, cookies, cakes, meat, potatoes, and garden vegetables. Her interests included tending her strawberry patches, gardening, and taking care of chickens and cows. She was an excellent cook. She crocheted and quilted by hand. She worked hard all of her life and only needed the bare essentials. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and Altar Society, both in Greeley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Theresa Egidy; her daughter, Helen Windle on August 1, 2010; sons, Matt Katzer on November 28, 1994; Bob Katzer on August 14, 2009; and infant Jimmy Katzer on November 24, 1945. Josephine is survived by two sons, Eugene Katzer of Greeley, Kansas; and Leon Katzer and wife Marilyn, of Greeley, Kansas; Eleven grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; and seven great great grandchildren, including one on the way. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at St. John's Catholic Church, Greeley, and burial to follow in the St. John's Cemetery. A rosary will be held on Monday evening at 6:00 PM at St. John's Church with family visitation to follow at St. John's Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church.