James “Jim” Katers
James “Jim” D. Katers, 92, Green Bay, passed away on Monday morning, December 19, 2022. He was born on September 20, 1930, in Green Bay to the late Charles and Helena (Dennisen) Katers. Jim graduated from Central Catholic High School with the class of 1949. On October 18, 1950, he married Donna Vandenack and together raised eight children. She preceded him in death on November 12, 2014. Jim with his brother, Cliff, operated Katers Brothers Construction. He coached softball, Babe Ruth baseball and worked as an umpire. Jim was a lover of history, especially about the Civil War. He enjoyed writing poetry and was an avid storyteller often weaving tales of his own invention. Jim looked forward to his yearly Canadian fishing trips with his 5 buddies to McCrae Lake. In his free time, Jim liked to golf and even had a hole-in-one. Above all, he loved his family and cherished time spent with them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by sons, Dan (Karen) Katers, Chris (Molly) Katers, Jeff (Robbie) Katers and Charlie (Jan) Katers; daughters, Delcine (Michael) DeGreef, Mona Wolter and Nancy Baldschun; special sister-in-law, Cindi Vandenack; grandchildren, Jill (Mark) Patek, Gina Katers, Elora DeGreef, Megan (Adam) Verheyen, Elizabeth Katers, Jacob Wolter, Jenna (Derek) Dewald, Alexander (Abby) Baldschun, Alyssa (Tyus) Patterson and Nicholas Baldschun; great grandchildren, Anthony Patek, Zackary Patek, Bridget Dewald, Haley Dewald, Brielle Verheyen and Jordan Verheyen; sister, Jean VandenBranden; brother, William “Bill” (Pat) Katers; sisters-in-law, Mary (Dale) Legois and LaVona Vandenack; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Jordan and Abby Wolter; siblings, Cliff (Bernice) Katers, Bonnie (Cal) Granius and Audrey Katers; brothers-in-law, Alan Vandenack, Jim Vandenack and Raymond “Toby” (Gene) Vandenack.
Visitation will be held on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd. from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022, at the church with Rev. Dennis Ryan Officiating. Burial will take place in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Courtyard at Bellevue Memory Care and the staff at Preceptor Hospice for all their care and compassion.