Obituary

Steve passed away at home surrounded by family after a decade long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and pilot. Steve gained his angel wings on July 22, 2021.

 

Steve was born on July 11, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA to Dr. Curt Katzmann and Helen (Schottlander) Katzmann. He attended Carlsbad Military Academy in Carlsbad California. He then relocated to Reno and attended the University of Nevada Reno.

 

Steve met Susan Wosser while attending UNR and they were married on August 2, 1969. Steve graduated with a Masters degree in Business Administration. Then had two 2 children, Kevin and Kara.

 

A member of the Lambda Kai Alpha fraternity, Sundowners, ROTC, Prospectors and Rotary, being involved in community organizations was always a big part of his life.

 

Steve and Sue traveled the world frequently on cruises and together they visited all 7 continents. Steve loved to travel, and always loved to return home to his family. Steve's family was his pride and joy!

 

Steve loved to fly. A lifelong pilot, he first obtained his pilots license with private instruction in small fixed wing aircraft while attending UNR. Upon graduation he joined the US Army and transitioned to helicopters. Steve then served as a pilot in Vietnam where we flew several different types of helicopters on various support, combat, medical and transport missions.

 

After military life, Steve began his successful career in the car business which allowed him to continue to fly privately and acquire his dream airplane, a Beechcraft Bonanza. Steve and Sue traveled from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast to the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico and Alaska. They visited friends and family, saw new sights and flew together enjoying every destination. Steve was an active advocate for the aviation community. He was a former Trustee of the Board of Directors for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, a member of the Pacific Bonanza Society, and a volunteer at the Reno Air Races. Flying was his true passion!

 

Steve is survived by his son Kevin and daughter Kara Keyes (Jeff), 4 grandchildren, Piper, Maddox, Korynn and Klayt, his sister Jane Walsh (Pat), nephew Curtis Walsh (Sarah), and niece Katina Iten (Grant). Steve is preceded in death by his parents and wife Sue of 50 years.

 

At Steve's request, there will be no memorial service. Give a hug and spread love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Angel Med Flight World Wide Air Ambulance Services (17851 North 85th Street Suite 350 Scottsdale, AZ 85255) or the University of Nevada, Reno ROTC (1615 Evans Ave, Bldg 081, Reno, NV 89512)