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Irene Marie Katter

1923 - 2008

Irene M. Katter, 84, Klemme, died February 25, 2008, surrounded by her family, following a four-year battle with cancer. Services were held February 29 at the Klemme United Methodist Church with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Irene Marie, the daughter of Frederick and Elsie (Josten) Becker, was born October 19, 1923 on her parents farm in Ell Township. She attended rural school through the 8th grade and graduated salutatorian of the Klemme High School Class of 1941. Irene married Cecil B. Katter November 28, 1943 at Klemme. They farmed and raised Holstein cattle. In 1951 they moved to Oregon where Cecil was in the lumber business with his brothers until 1955 when they returned to farm near Clear Lake. They eventually returned to operate the family farm at Klemme where Irene lived for most of her life. The home place became a Century Farm in 1993 and continues to remain in the family. Irene was a life long homemaker, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She and Cecil were leaders in the regional, state and national Holstein associations and she showed cattle at all levels. She traveled to many of the Central National Holstein shows in Madison, WI.

Irene worked as a dietitian at the nursing home in Garner and for a number of years in the catering business with Sheryll Klessel. Irene fulfilled various roles in her church including playing piano, marimba, and organ, and was active in UMW, church circles, and the luncheon committee. She had also shared her gift of music at area care centers, community festivities, state and national contests, including Soldier Field in Chicago. Irene was active in 4-H and the Klemme Grandmother's Club. She was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook and baker. Irene was an accomplished seamstress, making many clothes, including her daughter's bridesmaids dresses. Irene had a kind place in her heart for horses and cats. Irene loved to attend the Iowa State Fair and had done so nearly every year since the 1960's.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband in 1981.

Survivors include her children Lynn (Donna) Katter and their daughters Melissa and Allison of New York; Noel (Margaret) Katter and their children Miekka and John of Menlo; Marla (Bob) Hadacek and their son Ben of Klemme; and Murray (Marcia) Katter and their daughter Emilee of Ankeny; and four great grandchildren.

source: Belmond Independent, 4 Mar 2008

 

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