Henry Kenneth Katter

Adapted from Billy Graham

You are reading that H. Kenneth Katter is dead. Well, don’t believe a word of it! Our dad is more alive now than he ever was. God got a hold of our dad when he was in his late 50s through a Baptist minister on a sales call for Pitney Bowes! Dad’s confession of faith had a ripple effect within our family. Something we will always be grateful for.

Our dad was born on July 15, 1925 to Webb & Elizabeth Katter in Saginaw, Mi. His first job was working in his parent’s bakery. Dad served in WW II, from 1942-1946, in the 1st Armored Division. He married Jane “Jenny” Damore on October 16, 1954. Ken and Jenny were a dynamic duo! They were full of energy and encouragement for family, friends and even strangers.

Dad was not hesitant to get in the game and always strived to do his best, whether it was as president of P.T.A., coaching, being salesmen of the year several times, or vice president of their condo association. He and our mom made a difference where ever they went.

We are blessed to be his kids…, Webb & Grace Katter, Brenda &Terry Grabow, Sandia & John Kane and Ken & Patti Katter

His grandkids and great grandkids were a great source of joy in his life. They enjoyed his lovableness, sense of humor and ability to tell stories. Our dad loved to read to them, and do whatever they were interested in. Dad was fun loving, affectionate and inspirational.

A Storyteller, kind, faithful, loyal, sweet, and compassionate. These are the words they used to describe their grandpa.

Thanks to all the grandchildren and great grandkids for loving our dad so well. Mom and dad have 18 grandchildren -Vanessa Katter & Jake Neal, Kris Katter, Breanna Katter & Kris Lagendyk, Josh & Jen Grabow, Dan Grabow & Callie Cookingham, Caleb Grabow, Susannah & Eric Clos, Jeanice & Patrick Frederick, John Mark & Jill Grabow, Vita & Justus Leggitt, Hanna & Chris Russo, Abe & Sierra Kane, Sam Kane & Somin Oh, Ashlay & Adam Eugenio, Hunter Katter and Savanna Katter. And Ben Kane who predeceased grandpa. Dad and mom also have 28 great grandchildren who have and will benefit by such a joy filled and loving great grandpa.

Our dad’s first goal after retiring was to read through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Dad’s prayers for his family (he liked to pray for all of us on his solo golf outings) helped to shape our trajectory. All glory goes to God for giving us such an inspirational patriarch. He fought the good fight, finished the race marked out for him, and he fixed his eyes on Jesus who both began and finished the race with him. Our dad, your grandpa, great grandpa, cousin, uncle, friend, would like to thank all those who made his 99 years life so rich.

Much thanks to his sister in-law, Vita Ruppel, who was like the sister he never had. And thanks to all his nieces, nephews, and cousins on the Damore and Turek/ Katter sides. A very special thanks to our sister Brenda and her husband Terry for listening to God’s plans 10 years ago so mom and dad would have such a lovely place to live and be so well taken care of in the last chapter of their lives. From grass fed beef to elderberry concoctions, you gave them a quality of life unheard of! We thank Brenda and Terry for their loving care of mom and dad in good times and challenges. They selflessly put their lives on hold while making dad and mom a priority in their lives. Glory to God for your generosity and devotion. We also want to thank Breanna for her loving weekly help – we appreciate all your talents. Also, a warm thanks for Dad’s unshakable Hospice team- Tammy, Jennifer, Katie 1, Katie 2, David and Josh. And to Papa’s Place for their valuable care. Big shout out to Caleb Grabow for being dad’s right-hand man -you are so needed in our family. What would we do without you?

And the most specialist of thanks goes to his bride of 70 years- the love of his life and he made sure Jenny knew that all the time.

Let’s all learn from dad to not allow ourselves to be offended, to forgive easily and love unconditionally. Dad took lessons from the best-from his long walk with Jesus. Our warm thanks to all who came to Dad’s funeral or sent cards. We appreciate your love and support.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, where the funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. His son-in-law, Terry Grabow, will officiate the service and entombment will follow in Oakwood Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Brave Heart Estate, 4171 Ely Rd, Pellston, MI 49679. Please share your thoughts and memories of Henry at the funeral home or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.