John E. Katona

John E. Katona

Jul. 02, 1935 - Aug. 29, 2016

SOUTH BEND - John E. Katona, 81, passed away peacefully at 8:40am, Monday, August 29, 2016 from complications from heart surgery in May.

John was born on July 2, 1935 in South Bend to Emery and Alma (Hornyak) Katona. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. He retired after 29 years from South Bend Freight, as a lifelong mechanic, a skill he learned from his father. John was a Life Member of the NRA, and also a member of the F.O.P. 36, Calvert Rod & Gun Club, William Penn Club, D.F.V. German Club and St. Anthony Society. Memberships extended to many area gun clubs, and he organized the local IPSC matches in the 80's and 90's. Though he held no formal degrees, he was a brilliant man who could fix anything with a motor. He was very well read in history, government, botany, firearms, and could answer anything faster than you could look up on the internet. He could answer anything from “What's the life cycle of a tick?” to “what temperature does it take to weld metals?” His knowledge about firearms and their history brought him great pleasure. He taught his niece and nephews how to safely fire and handle guns at a young age. Often, he assisted his many officer friends with repairs of their personal weapons, and never charged anyone for his help. All who knew him well knew that he was such a giving person, and never expected anything in return. He thoroughly enjoyed and valued his friendships, especially with his FOP friends, and his neighbors. For exercise, many would see him walking at Target or Meijer, and he'd often buy a gadget on sale during his walks, and give it to his niece's children. Some favorite hangouts were out at the FOP grounds running his dogs, or in past years down at St. Anthony's or anywhere he could get a Tanqueray and Tonic, or just a cold beer. More than 20 years ago, he quit drinking and smoking in a snap. Once he put his mind on something, he did it. John's humorous articulate way he told a story was priceless, and he will be missed by all.

Surviving are a son Mark (Lilinoe) Katona of Vista, CA, grandson Micah, granddaughter Loren Katona, great-grandson Mavrick Katona, brother Donald (Suzanne) Katona of South Bend, nephew Jeff Katona, niece Suzette (Steve) Katona Schmok, great-nieces Tiffany and Melissa Schmok, great-nephews Adam and Anthony Schmok, aunts Julie Paksi, Frances Hojnacki, uncle John Paksi, numerous cousins and 3 dogs; Jack, Tiny and Bingo. John was preceded in death by a brother James Katona, nephew Brian Katona, great-nephew Zachary Schmok, friend Sharon Kibort and many aunts and uncles.

Family and friends may visit from 11am to 1pm Thursday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue. Services will follow at 1:00pm. A private burial will take place at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to South Bend Animal Control or the F.O.P. Lodge 36. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.