KATER, Donna June (Schmidt) - b. November 15, 1937 - d. July 8, 2022

[patyrn]

Donna June Kater, PhD, age 84, passed away on July 8, 2022 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.  She was born to John Clifford and Ruth Elizabeth (Davis) Schmidt on November 15, 1937 in Syracuse, Kansas.

Donna's educational milestones included:  1950-1954 Syracuse High School in Syracuse, Kansas; 1954-1959 Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas - Bachelor's degree; 1965-1970 Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas - Masters degree; and 1970-1973 Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas PhD degree.  Her professional career began as an elementary school teacher, and later she worked as a family counselor.  Dr. Kater counseled traumatized and grieving families in New York City following the 9/11 attacks and also counseled hurricane survivors.

Donna valued helping others "go from what is to what could be."  She had an insatiable love of books and life-long learning.  May she read with new eyes and remember with a fresh mind, walking hand in hand with our Savior. 

Donna is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clifford D. Kater of Wichita, Kasnas; her son, Dale D. Kater of Phoenix, Arizona; her daughter, Tamlette "Tami" V. Pouncil of Wichita, Kansas; her sister, Joy (Ron) Daerr of Viola, Kasnas; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Russell Dean "Russ" Schmidt; and her sister, Bula Ann Morris.

A private service for family members will be held to honor Donna's distinguished life.  Remembrances and expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to The Alzheimer's Association.  The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time.  Jost Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington Street, Hillsboro, Kansas has been entrusted with arrangements.

(published in the Wichita Eagle on 07/15/2022)

................................................................................................
Donna Kater was the wife of Cliff Kater, former teacher and coach in the Howard School System in Howard, Kansas in the early 1960s.