Maurice H. Katzer

Maurice Henry Katzer, age 85, of Centerville, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.

Maurice was born on January 13, 1935, at his family’s homestead southeast of Greeley, Kansas. He was the second of thirteen children born to Tony and Anna (Egidy) Katzer. It was on that family stead that Maurice found his love of farming, racing home every day after school to ride the tractor with his dad. In fact, he was just sixteen years old when he purchased his first farm. Though he also worked as a pipefitter through Local #533, farming was always his passion, and he was able to live his dream of farming until the day he died.

Standing at 6’4”, Maurice was easily recognizable. However, those who knew him well would also recognize his equally big waves from the truck window; his big heart and good-natured humor; his big smile, bear hugs, and handshakes; his honesty and integrity; his work ethic, his value of family; and his faith.

Maurice was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and served on the Greeley Co-Op board. In 1957 Maurice entered the Army Reserve and served as a mechanical instructor. He possessed the ability to fix, fabricate or repair almost anything (with or without baling wire).

Maurice was united in marriage to Kay Watkins on August 12, 1967. When a lawn mowing accident amputated two of his toes two days before their wedding, he teased his fiancé, wondering if God was trying to tell him something. The union did in fact occur, lasted almost 53 years, and was blessed with three children - Debbie, David, and Erin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Ralph Katzer; brother, Mark Katzer.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Katzer, of the home; children, Debbie Miller and husband Troy of Olathe, Kansas; David Katzer and wife Casie of Social Circle, Georgia; Erin Henry and husband Perry of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren, TJ, Morgan and Greyson Miller, Holt and Hudson Katzer, and Hade and Elle Henry; six brothers, Jerry Katzer, Greg Katzer and wife Shirley, Virgil Katzer and wife Linda, Ben Katzer and wife Barbara, Fred Katzer and wife Nancy, Mike Katzer; and four sisters, Anthonette Wolken, Marlene Hermreck, Theresa Morgan, Kathy Wittman and husband Chuck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 6:30 PM, Tuesday evening at Holy Angels Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose School and left in care of the funeral home. You may leave condolences for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com