Elsie Katchka

KATCHKA Elsie J. 1917 - 2008 Elsie Jean Katchka, of the Woodlands in Ottawa Hills, passed away peacefully in Port Charlotte, Florida, surrounded by her children on Friday, April 25, 2008. Elsie was a native of northwest Ohio where she spent her entire life, having been born in North Baltimore, August 5, 1917. She was preceded in death in February by her husband, Dr. David M. Katchka. Her parents were John and Ruth Ann Bodenbender Thrailkill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven of her eight siblings, Kenneth, Lloyd, Rolland, Beatrice Woestenburg, Byron, Paul, and Norman Thrailkill and by her granddaughter, Tiffany E. Staelin. Her beloved sister, Helen R. Potter of Orlando, Florida is her only surviving sibling. Elsie grew up in Fostoria, Ohio, with a large and loving family. She graduated from Fostoria High School and then earned her RN degree at St. Lukes Case Western in Cleveland. Nursing was a particularly suitable field for Elsie and her nurturing personality. She was the consummate caregiver to her husband, children and grand- children, always putting the needs of others above her own. She began her career at Toledo Hospital where she met a young intern, David M. Katchka, whom she married in 1941, in Michigan City, Indiana. Together they made their home in Toledo and raised three children, Rebecca J. James M. Acklin of Darnestown Maryland, D. Thomas Katchka of Reston Virginia and Susan Penny K. Stephen H. Staelin of Toledo. They happily welcomed into their family six grandchildren, J. Thomas Acklin, Amy A. Beech, Elizabeth H. Christian Ostermann and Kinsey A. Katchka, S. Tyler Kathryn A. and Tiffany E. Staelin and five great-grandchildren, Casey J. Acklin, Rebecca and Elizabeth Beech and Fielding H. and Tennyson Tess G. Staelin. Elsie was, first and foremost, devoted to her family. She supported David and his professional activities throughout his career, including his group practice, Katchka, Friedman, Crider Medical Corp., which grew into the largest anesthesia practice in Northwest Ohio. She provided boundless love and support to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many happy family occasions were enjoyed in her home, especially during the Christmas holidays. Her grandchildren kept in touch via email, dubbing Elsie a Cyber-Octo for her use of the computer, which she learned in her 80s. This enabled her to share her love and interests with her geographically dispersed progeny and research her many areas of interest. Elsie was a past president of the Womens Auxiliary for the Toledo Academy of Medicine. She was active in the World Affairs Club, Monroe Street and later, Epworth Methodist Churches and the Ottawa Hills Mothers Support Group. Over their sixty-seven years of marriage, Elsie and David traveled to Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, every state in the United States, every province in Canada and Mexico. Elsie enjoyed sharing the wonders of the world with her children and successive generations. In addition, many of their travels were with close friends in the Blue Cloud. This RV group traveled throughout the U.S., each person having a specific area of responsibility. Elsie was the historian and tour guide, researching their itinerary in advance to uncover interesting facts and places for the group to explore. Elsie and David were avid rock hounds, and traveled to quarries and mining sites wherever they went in search of museum-quality minerals, gems, and rock specimens. They were also avid beachcombers, searching the beaches of Florida for unusual specimens which became part of an extensive shell collection for the enjoyment of family and friends. Elsie will be remembered for her sweet and caring disposition. Although shy, Elsie had an inner strength born of her deep faith in God and a love of family and nature. We will miss her many touches of kindness and thoughtfulness for others. The family is most appreciative of the care she received at Harbour Health Care Center and the hospice personnel who helped her through her final days. The family has planned a private service for Elsie and David at a later date. Those offering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Epworth United Methodist Church 3077 Valleyview Drive, Ottawa Hills, OH 43615-2236, the Toledo Community Foundation Tiffany Fund 608 Madison Ave., Suite 1540, Toledo, OH 43604-1151, or a charity of the donors choice. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home 419.841.2422. Online condolences at: www.walkerfuneralhomes.com