Marvin D. Katka Jr.

Marvin D. Katka Jr., 60, of Havre, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at his residence. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church with Pastor John Ulrich officiating. The family has requested that memorials be made in Marvin’s name to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements, and you can leave your memories and/or condolences for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Marvin was born on November 8, 1952, in Butte, to Marvin and Negoshia Katka.  He moved to California when he was a baby, and then to Phoenix, Ariz., at age 5.  Marvin returned to Butte when he was 14 to attend high school.  He began working at age 14 and didn’t stop until his death.  In November of 1975, he married Judi LaSalle in Great Falls.  The couple moved to Havre in 1985, and he raised his two daughters in Havre. In 1990, the couple returned to Great Falls so Judi could complete her nursing degree, and Marvin continued his contracting, working in drywall in Great Falls, Havre and on the Hi-Line, while he raised his two grandsons as his own sons. 

He enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and the Montana Grizzlies play, tinkering on cars and in his shop, and he absolutely loved his involvement in car racing. His family was his first priority, and he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with every fiber of his being.  Marvin was an honorable man who always kept his word.  He was a kind and caring man who had many close friends; and to his family he was firm but loving.  His family described him as “the definition of love.”  He was a very generous man, who would give someone the shirt off his back if he thought they needed it.  In addition to spending time with his family, Marvin was a very social man with a great sense of humor, and he loved joking around.  He was a self-taught mechanic and handyman who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and talents with others.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Katka Sr. and Negoshia Gustin.

He is survived by his wife, Judi Katka of Great Falls; his daughters, Wendie and Jennifer Katka of Great Falls; his seven grandchildren, Kyler Katka of Kentucky, Raistlen (Lisa) Katka of Havre, and Jihad and Malik Arvin, and Araya, Shayda, and Aystin Katka, all of Great Falls; his great-grandson Elias Katka of Havre; his sisters Karen (Rich) Higgins of Washington, and Marlana (Peter) Mertz and April Hoffman (Mike Figliola), all of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.