Larry L. Katt

Larry Leland Katt passed away peacefully in his sleep, with his wife by his side, on November 3, 2026, at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center. Larry wished to be cremated. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur is assisting the family with arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at Doherty’s Pub in Decatur.

Larry was born on September 27, 1937 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Martin and Meta Katt, joining his older sister Natalie. He grew up in Lincoln, attended the University of Nebraska, and married Bonnie Ham. Together they had two sons, Kevin and Kent, and a daughter, Tami.

While in Lincoln, Larry worked in sales at Zales Jewelry and became interested in the television business. In 1965, Larry began his television sales career at WAND TV in Decatur, Il, where he held the title of Vice President and Director of Sales before retiring in 2006, after 41 years. For over 50 years, Larry was a member of the Decatur Gun Club. He enjoyed skeet shooting and was an avid hunter. Larry was also on the boards of several community organizations in Decatur including the Decatur Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Decatur Crimestoppers, and the Rock Springs Nature Center and was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In 1990 Larry married Gola Anderson.

With both he and Gola retired, they often enjoyed traveling with his sister Natalie and her husband, Bill Funk. He spent many seasons with family and friends, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and skiing in Colorado, one of his favorite places to be.

Larry was “Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He took great joy in being a grandparent, spending many of his days watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in their favorite activities.

Larry was preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie, his parents, his son Kevin, his sister Natalie, and brother-in-law Bill. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Gola, his son Kent (wife Debbie) Katt, his daughter Tami (husband John) Gribler, his grandchildren, Ryan (wife Melissa) Katt and Marissa (husband Brian) Bajjalieh; his stepchildren, Todd Anderson and Sharon (husband Paul) Murphy, several great grandchildren, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.

Larry was a devoted spouse and grandfather. He was loved by many people who considered him a wonderful and gracious friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Imboden Creek Senior Living for the care given to Larry during his time there as well as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Lay Minister and family friend, Mike Pickerill, who often provided Larry with communion and prayer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Decatur Crimestoppers, Decatur Gun Club, or any charity of your choice.