John Robert Katich

John Robert Katich was born April 20, 1955, in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Charles and Norma (Sheston) Katich. He passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Hospital, at the age of 70 from a brief illness.

As a boy, John’s family lived in Centerville and Knoxville before settling in Des Moines. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1973 and Simpson College in 1977. His career was spent in the insurance business and later in radio broadcasting. On July 29, 1989, he was united in marriage to Santa Martinez. To this union one son, Justin, was born. The couple have lived in Knoxville, Iowa, since 1992.

John was an extremely well-read person, with a wealth of knowledge on virtually any subject and a mind like a steel trap. From the time he taught himself to read at an early age, he could quote baseball statistics from nearly any player in any era. He could recite the complete history of subjects as varied as the American Revolution, Notre Dame Football, or the birth of country music with an encyclopedic knowledge. Reading, gaining, and sharing knowledge was a true passion for John. And if he found a poor soul who disagreed with him or dared to debate him, all the more interesting.

While John was passionate about many ideas, his true passion was his family. Becoming a husband to Santa and, later, a father to Justin was John’s true joy and purpose. While he typically kept his softer side under wraps, he had finally found an outlet for his love, devotion, and loyalty. He wasn’t one to express his affection easily with words, but his actions with Santa and Justin spoke volumes. He looked after his family in big and small ways, and made them his top priority at all times. He delighted in “letting Santa be Santa” and their simple days together in Knoxville or their winter vacations in Lake Havasu. He loved being Justin’s teacher, coach, and best friend. They shared interests and passions, from baseball to sprint car racing, and loved spending time together. John was free with advice and unwavering support at each step. John’s primary objective was for Justin to become a good man, and he was filled with pride that he had succeeded.

Those left to honor John’s memory include his wife, Santa Katich; son, Justin Katich; parents, Chuck and Norma Katich; siblings: Nancy Katich-Ott, Joe Katich, Jim Katich, Kent Katich, and Kathy Erickson and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lisa Marie Katich; maternal grandfather, George Sheston; maternal grandparents, John and Berniece Fisher; and paternal grandparents, John and Mary Katich.

For those desiring, memorials may be made to the organization of the donor's choice.