Gus Mike Katis

Gus Mike Katis, our beloved husband, father, brother and papou, passed away July 4, 2015. He was born on December 4, 1925 in Copperfield, Bingham Canyon, UT, to Greek immigrant parents Mike T. and Alexandra Mastoris Katis, the fourth of six children.

He graduated from Bingham High School in the class of 1944. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving aboard the U.S.S. Cleburne in the Pacific Theater.  The ship was heading to Japan as part of a decoy invasion when the A-bomb ended the war. Dad spent the rest of his Navy career on a great adventure visiting several countries and even playing basketball at Tiensin University.

Returning home, he met and fell in love with Jean Abrams. They eloped on May 18, 1949. They later married at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. She was his world. Together they raised six children.

Dad started working for Kennecott Copper when he was just 15-years old, spending 43 years at the mine. He was supervisor of the big truck shop when he retired.

An avid golfer he loved spending time on the links. He was also an accomplished bowler, achieving two 300 games in his life.

He was a life-long member of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Theodore, sisters Matina, Mary, and Amelia (John Kartchner). He is survived by his wife of 66 years, sons Michael, Theodore and daughter Alexandria (Midvale); sons Dan (Marsha), Omaha, John (Cindy Buckles), West Jordan, and Christopher (Kelly Huntington), Murray; brother and best friend Chris Katis (Midvale); grandkids Lyndsey (Jerid Foster), Nick Katis, Ashley (Brady Baker), Carli (Michael Straub), Braxton Katis (Sierra), Gus and Niko Huntington-Katis; great grandkids Haili, Alexa, Abi, Skylar, Jaxon, Jace , Kaydence; god daughter Sandy Ulery; several nieces and nephews; cousins in America and Greece; and grand dog Skeelo.

A viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 So, State, Midvale, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. The Trisagion Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 South Highland Drive, Holladay, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Meg Skibitsky, Pam, Jeannie, and Bonnie for their loving care of Gus. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to the University of Utah's Kidney Transplant Program, 50 Medical Drive, SLC UT 84132, or the charity of your choice.

May his memory be eternal.