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Longtime Soldotna resident Frank B. Kataiva, 90, passed away at Providence
Hospital in Anchorage on Jan. 4, 2012.
Frank was born July 5, 1921 in Livingston, IL, to Paul and Elizabeth Kataiva. He joined the Army at age 19 and served on Diamond Head in Hawaii. He was one of two men on guard duty when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and was the first to see the planes approaching the island. Starting in 1981 and through the age of 85, Frank and family members traveled to Hawaii every five years for Pearl Harbor Survivor Association Reunions, hiking to his former lookout station on the top of Diamond Head. Each time a crowd of visitors would gather to hear his stories. After his military service, Frank attended the University of Miami and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.
He married his wife, Ruth, while attending college. After graduation he worked as an engineer at the Patrick Air Force Missile Range in Cocoa Beach, Florida for 12 years. They then moved to El Paso, Texas, where he worked at the White Sands Missile Range at Las Cruses, NM. In 1971, they moved to Alaska where he worked for RCA, later known as Alascom ATT and PTI, later
known as Alaska Communications. He retired from Alascom in 1983.
The Kataivas cleared land and built a home in Soldotna in 1985. Frank loved to camp and fish the Kenai River. He was also an avid gardener.
Frank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth. He leaves four children, daughter Susan Lynch and her husband Garry Lynch of Wasilla; daughter Cathy Williams of Nikiski; son Kenneth Kataiva of Sterling and daughter Donna Kataiva of Soldotna. He leaves three grandsons, David Williams, Levi Lynch and Thomas Lynch, and one great grandson, Kellen Lynch.
He also leaves two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank will be missed by his family, friends, neighbors and his two Australian Sheppard dogs, Belle and Sheena.
Cremation services were provided by Alaska Cremation Center in Anchorage.
A celebration of life is planned at a later date and his ashes will be scattered on the Kenai River.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Ten years already...went by so quick. Almost like yesterday. Miss you Dad.
Cotton
January 9, 2022
Although I think I olny met him a couple of times many ,many years ago .. I offer my Condolences to his family. May he rest in Peace.
I am thier Godchild
William Wassing
February 29, 2012
I miss you Dad. Love you always, Cotton
cathy williams
January 18, 2012
Good bye Frank,you were a wonderful friend, Gerry and I will always remember our visits with you and Ruth. Andy&Gerry
Bobby Anderson
January 17, 2012
Friend, mentor, father and combat veteran.......... you will be missed.
January 15, 2012
What a legacy Frank has to leave to his family & friends. We will also miss his friendly smile & time he had for everyone. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Ruth & your family. Karen & Dick Pond
Karen & Dick Pond
January 15, 2012
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