Died Thursday December 27, 2018 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont
Elmer Cord Hienrich Katt was born January 9, 1920 to John and Emma 'Bohling' Katt at Herman, NE. He was baptized January 20, 1920 by Pastor J. Lang at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hooper and was confirmed on July 3, 1933 by Pastor J.H. Gerdes at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Winslow. Elmer grew up on the family farm near Herman and later on an acreage in Winslow. He graduated the 10th grade from Winslow Public Schools.
In the summer of 1941 he enrolled at Frye Aircraft School in Omaha for a seven week course on the manufacturing of the B-26 bomber. After graduation he received a job offer from the Glen L. Martin Bomber plant at Baltimore, Maryland. He was employed at the plant for three years until he was drafted into the Army. After completing basic infantry training he was sent to the European Theater during World War II as a replacement and was assigned to the 42nd Rainbow infantry division.
He served on the front line as the company communications chief in France, Germany and Austria. He carried a 300 radio strapped on his back across France and Germany all the way to V.E. Day. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the European Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, Bronze Star for Meritorious Combat Service, Victory Ribbon and Occupational Ribbon. He was part of the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp, a sight that he could never forget. After serving 18 months overseas he returned to the States in 1946 and received his honorable discharge.
Elmer returned to work on the family farm. He married Norma Hokamp on August 21, 1949 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Arlington, by Pastor Carl Hellman. They lived on the family farm. Elmer was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hooper, and held many offices in the church. He was a life member of Hooper/Winslow VFW Post 10535, served on the local school board and was active with his son's 4-H club and FFA activities.
An avid woodworker, Elmer made many gifts to share with friends and family. He and Lyle Wolf built a miniature version of Immanuel Lutheran Church for a fair float to celebrate the church's 125th anniversary.
Survivors:
Wife Norma of Fremont
Sons Loren(Marcile) Katt of Gretna, Richard(Sharon) Katt of Lincoln and Jon(Jean) Katt of Herman, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Hilda Wittman and Orletha Katt.
The Funeral Service will be 10:30am Monday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church east of Winslow. Burial will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with Military Honors by the Hooper/Winslow VFW Post 10535 and Hooper American Legion Post 18. Visitation is Sunday from 2-6pm with the family present from 2-4pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Stacey Agnew
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Rich and Sharon, may you have peace and comfort knowing you dad is with Jesus. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.Tim M Schram
Gretna, NE Monday, December 31, 2018 My thoughts and prayers are with you.Tom Schram
Gretna, NE Sunday, December 30, 2018 Sorry we cannot be with you at the visitation because of out-of-town guests. Your father's commitment to family, country and God is remarkable. His WWII medals are a great tribute to his valor. God bless your dad and his fellow soldiers. - Tom and Jayne SchramLoretta Hardies
Gretna, NE Sunday, December 30, 2018 Your Family is in my thoughts and prayers!Mary Duffy
Omaha, NE Sunday, December 30, 2018 Rich and Sharon, I was so sorry to hear about the death of your father. I will keep him and all of you in my prayers. May you be comforted by the memories that you have of him.Marc Wittstruck
Martell, NE Friday, December 28, 2018 So sorry for your loss. Will send memorial to NE FFA Foundation in fathers name. God bless.Marc Wittstruck
Nancy Heller
Lincoln, NE Friday, December 28, 2018 My sincere condolences to Elmer's family. May the Peace and Comfort of our Lord Jesus fill you all in the days ahead.