Charles Joseph Katula, “Chuck”

November 24th, 1959 – September 25th, 2013

Our Dad passed away on September 25th, 2013, at the age of 53. He was surrounded by family and made a peaceful passage into eternal life after a long, hard fight. He was preceded in death by his second son, Andrew Lawrence. He leaves behind his wife Vicki (Nee Duesing), sons Matthew and Samuel, daughter-in-law Allison (Nee Casper), future daughter-in-law Ali (Nee Komassa), and grandchildren Lillian Elizabeth, Caroline Victoria, and his namesake, Charles Owen.

Dad was born November 24th, 1959. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School in 1977 and married our mother, Vicki , in 1980. They celebrated their 33rd anniversary this past May.

He was a great man. A great father, a great husband, a great "Papa". He worked tirelessly in the auto industry for over 30 years, leaving early and coming home late, all to provide for his wife and two boys. We will be forever grateful for the life he afforded us. He gave us the opportunity to follow our own paths and to mature into the men we are today.

Our Dad fought a fight not many would have taken on. He was so strong. He almost made it to the two year anniversary of his diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. He was able to spend all of his remaining time with his family, including his grandchildren. Dad, we will never let them forget you. We will use the lessons you gave us to raise our own children. We will make you proud.

Our Dad left this world with no questions left unanswered. Every concern he had regarding his children had been satisfied. He left this world looking forward to a life of eternal happiness with the Lord, where he will once again be reunited with his son, Andrew.

A gathering will be held at the Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, on Sunday, October 6, 2013 3:00-4:45 PM. Celebration of Chuck's life at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to my Dad's alma mater:

Catholic Memorial High School Athletic Fund

601 East College Avenue

Waukesha, WI 53186

Secure online gifts can be made at <a href="http://www.catholicmemorial.net/alumni/" target="_blank">http://www.catholicmemorial.net/alumni/</a>

As hard as this situation has been, it was put into perspective by my 5 year old, Lillian …

… "Daddy, you know Papa will always be watching over us from Heaven … And he will always love us."