Lawrence Katzer

Lawrence J. Katzer Sr. Lawrence Joseph Papa Katzer Sr. of Neodesha, KS, died Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at the Golden Keys Nursing Home. He was 96. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel. The Reverends Steve Thapwa will officiate. Interment will be in the Neodesha Catholic Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2008, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. The son of Wenzel and Louise Huss Katzer, he was born June 14, 1911, in Neodesha, KS. He was raised on a farm west of Neodesha and graduated from Neodesha High School in 1929. He was united in marriage to Edrie Lenore Kerner on June 14, 1937, in Neodesha. She survives in Neodesha. Mr. Katzer was a longtime farmer in Neodesha and was the recipient of the Wilson County Soil Conservation Award in 1994. He was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and a past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, John David Katzer of Springville, TN; one daughter, Carol Sue Friess of Independence, KS; one sister, Irene Reese of Neodesha; nine grandchildren, Mike Downey, Julie Wittum, Bill Downey, Janel Downey, Carmela Brand, Stephanie Rorick, Trey Katzer, Kristin Durham and Andrew Katzer; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Lawrence Jr.; one brother, George; and two sisters, Catherine Petrich and Alice Kammerer. Memorial contributions may be made to either the St. Ignatius Building Fund or the Katzer Scholarship. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.