Obit: Kattre, Gilbert A. (1918 - 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kattre, Herwig, Kalepp, Boudreau,

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 08 Oct 2014

Kattre, Gilbert A. (19 JUL 1918 - 4 OCT 2014)

Gilbert Arvin Kattre, age 96 of Abbotsford passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital Palliative Care Unit in Marshfield.

Gilbert was born July 19, 1918, the son of Edward and Minnie (Herwig) Kattre in Plymouth, WI. His family moved to Milan, WI and he attended school in Milan and also Abbotsford. With times being difficult for the family, he eventually quit school and in 1935 joined the Civil Conservation Corps. of Wisconsin (C.C.C.) and was assigned to the 169th Co. C.C.C. camp in Mount Horeb, WI until his enlistment in the U.S. Army on October 28, 1941, serving in the Pacific (Aleutian Islands) during WWII. After the war, Gilbert returned home and married Alice Lillian Kalepp on August 11, 1945 at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford.

Gilbert or "Gib" as he was fondly referred to by those who knew him remained in Abbotsford and held various forms of employment ranging from tavern-keeper, restaurant owner and truck driver. Driving truck is what he enjoyed the most, retiring in 1983 after 25 years with the Packaging Corporation of America. After retirement he persued his life-long interest in upholstery work known as "Gib's Upholstery" he took great pride in his work.

During his lifetime, Gilbert had many interests starting with an early love for flying small aircraft from the Pete Peters Airport that once existed between Abbotsford and Colby. Good-weather weekends, could find Gib entertaining his wife, Alice and their young son, Clayton on airplane rides which often times included circling Rib Mountain a few times! When not flying, he also enjoyed playing his "trombone" in a small band. In those days, Gib would tell you, they always had a good time but were usually lucky if they earned enough gas money for the trip home. Of all the things he enjoyed in life, spending time with his grandchildren was on the top of the list. He always enjoyed hearing the word "Grandpa."

Gilbert is survived by his wife; Alice Kattre of Abbotsford and his three sons, ; Clayton (Julie ) Kattre of Abbotsford, Rodney (Marsha) Kattre of Marshfield and Gil Kattre of Abbotsford; five grandchildren, Tyler (Amy) Kattre of Belleville, WI, Tanner (Katie) Kattre of Brookfield, WI, Trevor (Jackie ) Kattre of Belmont, WI, Nicole Kattre of Marshfield, WI and Robin (Ryan) Boudreau of Iowa City, IA; five great-grandchildren, Kyla Pearl Kattre, Kase Bradley Kattre, Treyton Blaine Kattre, Bella and Benjamin Boudreau.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lester and Elroy Kattre.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford with Reverend Dr. Paul C. Hunsicker Sr. officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 10: 00 am until the time of service for visitation and fellowship.

Pallbearers will be, Tyler Kattre, Tanner Kattre, Trevor Kattre, Daniel Kalepp, Kyle Kalepp and Kurt Kalepp.

The Maurina- Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling.com 

The family would like to extend a special and sincere thank you for the care and support provided to Gilbert by the staff at Country Terrace Assisted Living, Continental Manor Nursing Home and to the Palliative Care Unit at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital.