back to home page  

back to KHS Graduates

back to Klemme School

Noel Katter

1948 - 2023

 

Noel Katter, 74, a Klemme IA, area native, a resident of Knoxville, IA, died, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, IA. A public visitation and opportunity to greet Noel's family will be held Friday, October 13, 2023, from 5-7 PM at the Andrews Funeral Homes, 528 East Main St., Klemme. A public Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 14th, at the Faith Baptist Church, 1710 East Main St., Knoxville, IA. A fellowship will follow the services, followed by burial with Noel's second wife Margaret Ann Katter in the Carlisle Cemetery. Andrews Funeral Homes-Klemme, IA, is handling funeral arrangements. Those wishing to express their sympathies though a memorial in Noel's name may wish to consider the Faith Baptist Church-Knoxville, the family, or the donor's wishes.

Noel, the son of Cecil and Irene (Becker) Katter, was born October 17, 1948, on the family farm in rural Klemme, IA. During his earlier years growing up on the farm Noel and his siblings helped out with various chores. It was also in his younger days that his lifelong ambitions to design, build, and create things was developed. His intuitive and inquisitive mind lead to many unique creations and countless adventures. Noel always seemed to be building something. He attended and graduated from Klemme High School in the Class of 1966. During his school years he participated in Track, Football, and 4-H.

Noel was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Johnson in June 1970 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The couple's union was blessed with daughter Miekka and son John. Noel and Margaret's marriage was not permanent as they divorced in 1988.

Over the years Noel had been employed with Eaton Corporation, Kobert, Inc., Solana Midwest Tanning Co., and in various other places. He farmed the family farm with his brother Murray in Klemme from 1974-81, raising crops and Holstein Cattle.

Eventually he moved to the Des Moines metro area where he became an electrician. His innate abilities to learn quickly and understand things and their functions, allowed Noel to complete his journeyman training more rapidly than most in the profession. He was employed for periods of time with Archer's and Baker's Electric companies. He was a member of the I.B.E.W. 347. Noel had played an integral role in designing and installing the fire systems at Wells Fargo Arena, Tone's Spices, the Principal building, at state detention facilities, a considerable amount of electrical related work at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and many other locations.

Noel married Margaret Ann Spaur in 1988. Over their years together they had done an extensive amount of traveling, camping and taken many motorcycle excursions, both as a couple and with their kids. They had been numerous places including Niagra Falls. Noel and second wife Margaret had their own craft business and screen-printing business based out of their home for many years. Margaret passed away on April 12, 2021.

A new chapter in life commenced in July of 2021, Noel met Norene Johnston. Noel started attending church with Norene and accepted Christ as his Savior on January 31, 2021. The two were married May 9, 2022, at the Faith Baptist Church in Knoxville. He enjoyed serving the Lord, short road trips mostly around some body of water, sitting on the front porch and admiring the country view. Though their time together was brief the two enjoyed sharing in Noel's love for bicycling, as well as sharing times of solitude.

Noel's zest for life and pushing the envelope was ever evolving; from the treacherous adventures with his brother on the Gyro-Copter, to the countless treks to purchase and set off fireworks for family and friends. He loved times spent with family, was an excellent pilot and would often fly on day trips to go places to eat, sight see, or the Cattle Shows. He had even flown jump planes for his buddies Dave Larson and Jess Christie to parachute from. Noel enjoyed hunting trapping and fishing. He looked forward to Prairie Dog hunts with Jess Christie and others. His kids recall many hours assisting their dad reloading shells, as Noel loved to shoot and had an FFL license buying and selling guns over the years. Noel looked forward to dancing outings with family and friends. He enjoyed times spent playing cards with Gary and Marybeth Janssen, times spent hanging out with special friends Randy and Linda Mau and Kay and Merlin Schlichting, afternoon coffee with friends and in recent times Bible studies with his Pastor in Knoxville. He had an extensive cap collection, many of which had a matching outfit to go with them. Noel loved to go car shopping and was always trading vehicles. It seemed as though he knew every car dealer in the area. Noel also loved to follow his Iowa Hawkeyes teams.

Those who had the privilege of crossing in his life footsteps will reflect back on his infectious laugh, great sense of humor and love for teasing others. He was a good-hearted man, who always had a story to tell and a person who never met a stranger. Those close to him always were curious about what adventures he would generate next in their times spent in his presence.

Noel is survived by his wife Norene Johnston, Knoxville, IA; daughter Miekka (Blake) Cooper, Mason City, IA, and their family including Mia Margaret Katter, Jackson and Vincent Milhan, and London Cooper; a son John (Gina Schlichting) Katter and their child Kana Katter, Klemme, IA; a stepson Rusty (Kristi) Barnes, Carlisle, IA; Noel's brother Lynn C. (Donna) Katter Linwood, N.Y. and their daughters Melissa and Allison; a sister Marla (Bob) Hadacek, Klemme, IA, and their son Ben (Mckayla) Hadacek and their daughter Alaina Katter; and Marla's twin brother Murray (Marcia) Katter, Ankeny, IA, and their daughter Emilie (Taylor) Kaer, Scottsdale, AZ. Noel is also survived by Norene's three sons: Levi (Melissa) Johnson, San Antonio, TX and their family: Stratton, Briggs, and Brody; Benjamin Johnston and his son Andrew, Hopkins, MN, and Seth Johnston, Las Vegas, NV.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Irene, his children's mother and first wife Margaret Tue, his wife Margaret Spaur Katter, and a stepson Rick Barnes.