Mary Katra

Mary E. Katra, age 73, of Faribault, MN, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the District One Hospital in Faribault following a brief illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Mary Elaine was born on July 4, 1941 in Cherry Grove Township, Goodhue County, MN, to Edward and Emily (Smith) Helgeson. She was raised and attended school in Faribault. She was married to Bernard "Jim" Katra on March 2, 1957 in Faribault. He preceded her in death on February 7, 2005. Mary worked at the Faribault Woolen Mill for 33 years. She had various roles in her employment, but primarily was a sewer. Family and friends were of great importance to Mary. She cherished family gatherings, playing cards, caring for family members, and was very involved in her grandchildren's lives. Mary also enjoyed time at their cabin and bowling.

She is survived by her son, Tom Sr. (Cherry) Katra of Faribault; six grandchildren, Bridget Mitchell, Brandy (Greg) Gommels, Sara Katra, Stacy Katra (Jonah), Thomas Jr. (Ellie) Katra, and Theodore Katra; 12 great grandchildren, Joey, Jasmine, Paige, Marisa, Abby, Elysa, Andy, Katlyn, Ella, Kaylee, Willow, and Jonah Jr.; siblings, Hank (Marlette) Helgeson of Owatonna and Carol Dobson of Faribault; sisters and brothers-in-law, Phyllis Helgeson, Harold Witte, Larry Katra, Theresa (Allen Sr.) White, and Shirley (Pat) Naughton, all of Faribault; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Katra; parents; son, Gerald Katra; sisters, Evelyn (Bill) Van Houdt and Kay Witte; brother, Bud Helgeson; and sister-in-law, Irene Schweisthal.