James Fred Kaatz

James Fred Kaatz, 90, died Tuesday, June 20, 2017, after battling lung cancer.
He was preceded in death by his special friend, Helen Rose. The two were together for over 18 years.  
He was also preceded in death by his five brothers and five sisters.
He leaves behind his daughter, Alisa Kaatz Ried; his son, James Fred Kaatz Jr.; his step-daughter, Elizabeth Graham; his grandchildren, Steven Ried Jr., Angela Ried-Elizondo, Beau Blackshear, and Sherry Beal; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and close friends. 
Mr. Kaatz was born on March 25, 1927, and raised in Buckholtz, the son of Rudolph and Helena (Harms) Kaatz. 
Mr. Kaatz enlisted in the United States Army after High School fighting in World War II. After leaving the military Mr. Kaatz worked for Southwestern Bell telephone company for over 30 years. After retiring from the telephone company he volunteered with Telephone Pioneers of America.  Mr. Kaatz was always proud of his family, home, and his yard and loved to dance every week. He also loved to travel on cruises every time he could.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Marek, Burns, Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron.
The funeral will be Friday, June 23, 2017,  at 11 a.m. at Marek, Burns, Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron, with grave site ceremony in Buckholts following the funeral service.