Clementine Ann Katt

Clementine "Clemie" Ann Katt, 77, of Grainfield, KS, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at AmberMed (formerly Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care) in Hoxie, KS. Clemie was born on December 3, 1947, in Grainfield, KS, to Joseph Peter and Germaine Francis (Kreutzer) Gassmann. She grew up in a loving, hardworking family and graduated from Grinnell High School.
On May 14, 1966, Clemie married the love of her life, Bernard "Bernie" William Katt. Together, they built a life filled with devotion, hard work, and cherished memories, sharing 58 wonderful years of marriage. Clemie was deeply rooted in her rural upbringing, spending many years working on the family farm. She had a special love for animals, often bottle-feeding baby calves she purchased from the sale barn and raising chickens and turkeys for families in the area.
Clemie had a passion for music and spent years entertaining with her family, bringing joy to others through song. She and Bernie also spent time working as carpenters, a trade that strengthened their bond and creativity. Her green thumb was evident in the vibrant gardens and flower beds she meticulously tended, and she found joy in canning and making noodles alongside her sisters.
When health challenges made farming more difficult, Clemie transitioned to a career in banking and education. She worked at The Citizens State Bank (now The Bank) in Grainfield before dedicating 23 years to Wheatland High School, from 1984 to 2001. She adored working with students and faculty, making lifelong friendships and countless fond memories. Later, she returned to banking, working at Equity Bank in Quinter before transferring to the Grinnell branch, where she remained until her retirement in 2017.
Never one to sit idle, Clemie purchased Renegade Liquor in 2018. She seamlessly balanced multiple jobs-working at the bank during the day, assisting at Teeter Oil in the afternoons, and running her liquor store in the evenings. She took pride in her work and was known for her generosity, always going out of her way to help others.
Clemie had a deep appreciation for life's simple joys-mowing her yard to perfection, completing puzzles, and surrounding herself with animals. She had a heart for service, whether through her work or the countless acts of kindness she extended to friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bernie; daughters, Melissa "Missy" of Abilene, TX, and Lisa (Rusty) Strickler of Caney, KS; grandchildren, Kayde, Matthew, and Donna Malcom, and Duell and Kayla Strickler; great-grandchildren, Kinlee, Jayton, Knox, and Brayson Strickler; sister, Delores Applebee of El Dorado Springs, MO; and brother, Martin Gassmann of Oakley, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Germaine Gassmann; sisters, Agnes Bollig and Margaret Bruggeman; and brothers, Joseph, Henry, Bob, Pias, Conrad, and Julius.
A graveside service to honor Clemie's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Grainfield Cemetery in Grainfield, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AmberMed (Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care).
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.