Charles S. �Putch� Katkic, 86, WWII U.S. Army Veteran

Born April 12, 1918 in Lorain, Mr. Katkic had lived in Lorain for his entire life.

During World War II, he had served in the U.S. Army, with the 101st division, and had received the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Theatre Service Medal, one Bronze Arrowhead, the French Award (Croix de Guerre) and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. Charles was one of only a few men that fought and survived the Battle of the Bulge. Following his discharge from the Army, he came back to Lorain and had worked at U.S. Steel for 431/2 years, retiring in 1980. He had also worked with his daughter-Charlene in her business called, Culinaire, in Westlake, for a number of years.

Mr. Katkic was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, in Lorain, and was a member of the United Steelworkers of America, local Union #1104, serving as a trustee for the union for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife: Regina "Reggie" (nee- Dembinski) Katkic, whom he married December 1,1945; one son: Bob C. Katkic of Bedford, Texas; one daughter: Charlene Kalo of Amherst; two grandsons: Bobby and Tim Katkic, both of Bedford, Texas; and one sister: Katherine Gambish of Amherst.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Anna (nee-Pallier) Katkic; two brothers: Joseph "Bennie" and Nick; and two sisters: Anna Szivan and Barbara Paul.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Prayers will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, in the Dovin Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 2702 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, with the Rev. Fr. Kevin Shemuga, pastor, officiating. Deacon William Schill will assist.

Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, where the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 will conduct graveside military rites.

Memorial contributions if desired may be given to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 2702 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055; or to St. Martin de Porres Scholarship Fund, 1274 East 123rd St., Cleveland, Ohio 44108.