LEO ERVIN KAATZ

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LEO ERVIN KAATZ Sweetly and gently on Monday, March 20, 2000, in the peacefulness of his daughters home and with his loving family by his side, Leo Kaatz left us to join his beloved wife Mitzi, who passed away December 7, 1988. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Al White and his daughter-in-law Tina. Leo was born September 9, 1915 and lived his entire life in Beausejour, Man. There he met Mitzi and they were married January 31, 1942. He will be forever loved and missed by his three children, his son Don (Karen) and step-grandchildren, Greg (Cindy), Tammy (Ken), Melodie, John, Chris, Monica, Alex; and step-great-grandchildren, Evan, Aaron and Madison; his son Ray (Elaine) and grandchildren, Tammy (Dave) and Chad; his daughter Linda (Paul) Lapointe and grandchildren, Krista, Joelle and Jason. Also surviving are his six brothers, Archie (Chris), Gord (Ruth), Bob, Harold (Marlene), George (Ellen), Bill (Joyce) three sisters, Dorothy White, Edie (Lorne) Thyen, Ruth (Don) Murray; and many nephews and nieces and their families. As a young boy, Leo worked with his father at the family business, Kaatz Food. In 1953, Leo and his brother Gord took over the family business. Leo was very active in community affairs since the 1940s. Over the years, he was chairman of the School Board for a number of years and played a significant role in the development of the Elementary School. He was also chairman of the Town Planning Board and chairman of the Town of Beausejours 50th Anniversary. He was president of the Lions Club and also first vice-president of the Beausejour Chamber of Commerce and a director of the C.P.T.C. He also served on the board of the Zion Lutheran Church. In 1975, he retired and travelled with Mitzie for many years. His summers were spent at their cottage at Lee River. This was his most enjoyable time that he shared with his family and friends. One of his passions was working with wood. He left us with many handmade treasures. His whole life he challenged himself to succeed and was able to instill this onto his children and grandchildren. He was always thrilled to have his grandchildren around and they in turn thought he was a "cool guy". We will truly miss our dad, grandfather and best friend. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Beausejour, with Pastor Michael Cone officiating. Interment will follow in the Town of Beausejour Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects on Friday, March 24 until 9:00 p.m. at the Sobering Funeral Chapel. Pallbearers will be Chad Kaatz, Jason Lapointe, Rick Kaatz, Ron Kaatz, Glen Kaatz and Neil Kaatz. We would like to thank Dr. Zeiler, Dr. M. Taylor, Beausejour Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital and Cheryl Smith of North Eastman Palliative Care for the kindness and care they provided to Dad. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Leos memory may be made to the Beausejour and District Hospital, Box 1178, Beausejour, Man. ROE OCO. Sobering Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, in care of arrangements. Phone 268-3510 or Man. Toll Free 1-877-776-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2000