Katz, Michael S.
Michael S. Katz, USAF
January 21, 1941 – November 06, 2022
Michael Stewart Katz passed peacefully on November 6, 2022, at home. Mike was born to Samuel and Ruth Katz and raised in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, younger sister, Roberta Katz, and ex-wife Susan Lutzow. He is survived by his wife, Connie Katz, children, Ilene Katz Evans (Mike), Alison Winnie, Chad Dehne, and Mischelle Leach (Greg), grandchildren, Julianna Evans, Michael Evans, Camden Leach, Thomas Dehne, Skyler Kachurak (Jesse), Nathan Dehne, Monet Wilson (Garth), and Vance Dehne, and great grandchildren, Quintin, Jada, Kai, and Kamryn, sister, Helen Katz, and nephew, John Park.
After high school, Mike enlisted in the Air Force where he trained as a helicopter mechanic. This took him to Reno in 1960 where he stayed and made Nevada his home. He studied Sociology, with emphasis on adolescent behavior, at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught various community college courses and worked briefly in law enforcement. The remainder of his career years were spent with the State of Nevada Youth Services and later at High Sierra Industries in the Reno-Sparks area, where Mike realized his most profound achievements. At High Sierra, he was C.E.O. for 16 years and, in the words of coworkers, “an enlightened leader.”
Later Mike married Connie Michael Dehne; they were happily together and would have celebrated their 48th anniversary this New Year’s Eve. They lived in the old southwest at first, then built their dream home in south Reno. Mike and Connie traveled a bit, dabbled as entrepreneurs in a custom photo lab and as restaurant investors, agonized over that game of “chasing the stupid little white ball”, and hosted family gatherings, which left a trail of special memories for the 3 younger generations.
Mike was drawn to all things related to motors, aviation, woodwork, electronics, and the outdoors. He was a private pilot, enjoyed involvement with the Commemorative Air Force High Sierra Squadron, and dreamt of flying right up to the end. He stayed busy with the Sierra Nevada Amateur Radio Society, serving as president for many years, was a member of the Reno Chamber of Commerce, the local Impala Club, and worked extensively with the Reno Lions Club. While busy with a variety of obligations, he made time for many wood projects, as well as frequent camping and hunting trips with family. He passed down his love and appreciation for outdoor skills, firearms, cars and airplanes, tools, Americanism, and conservative government. He dedicated many years volunteering for the Nevada Department of Wildlife as a Hunter’s Safety Education Instructor.
In remembrance of Mike and his battle against Dementia, consider supporting A Plus Hospice, a local organization that provided end-of-life treatment, comfort, and endless support to our family. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 15, 2023. For more details, contact family at mskatzfamily@gmail.com.
Fly, Daddy, Fly…until we meet again!
Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2023.
Integrity, Honor, and Respect
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