Rollin Carl Cattau

Rollin C. Cattau, age 92, completed his earthly journey on June 30, 2025, in Sugar Land, TX. He was born on April 23, 1933, in the family farmhouse in Platte County, Nebraska — the youngest of four children. His life was faithfully devoted to ministry and service through the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).

He was baptized, confirmed, and attended Christ Lutheran Church and School in Columbus, Nebraska. At age 14 he left the farm, and began his education at Concordia in Seward, Nebraska from eighth grade through college graduation. Following his father’s instruction, Rollin became a Lutheran school teacher and organist — a calling he embraced with obedience, excellence, and commitment.

It was at Concordia that Rollin met the love of his life, Eldeen Einspahr, the “cute blonde in the orange skirt” he would marry on July 25, 1954. Their union of over 70 years was marked by patience and deep dedication, especially as he walked alongside her through the challenges of her declining memory in later years.

Together, Rollin and Eldeen served numerous Lutheran congregations and held leadership positions in Akron, OH; West Point, NE; Topeka, KS; Los Angeles, CA; Whittier, CA; Denver, CO; Fort Dodge, IA; Waco, TX; Amarillo, TX, and finally the Houston, TX, area, where they spent the last 35 years. Rollin earned a Master of Music degree from California State University – LA, and faithfully served the church in a wide range of roles: organist, music director, classroom teacher, principal, Bible class leader, choir director, and Director of Development, Missions, and Education.

Rollin joyfully directed cantatas, organized special music for Christmas and Easter, and was especially honored when his choir at Faith Lutheran in Whittier, CA, was invited to perform at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. He played the organ weekly at Messiah Lutheran Church in Houston, well into his eighties. While employed at Trinity Lutheran-Downtown, he never missed a chance to call members and wish them a happy birthday. In 1985, he was honored with the Master Educator Award by his alma mater Concordia University, Seward, and in 2025, was recognized at the LCMS convention for his remarkable 70 years of ministry.

Outside of ministry, Rollin was an avid sports fan, cheering for the LA Dodgers and later the Houston Astros. In his younger years he bowled and was a church league fast-pitch pitcher. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, solitaire on his computer, and was known for his incredible memory and sharp wit. His grandchildren will fondly remember his playful habit of mismatching socks — always good for a laugh, when he was helping them with their chores.

Rollin is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Eldeen M. Cattau; son Mark (Marcie) Cattau; grandchildren: Michael (Bess), Matthew, Michelle (Christopher); and great-grandchildren: Emma Kate, June, Thaddeus, and Raelyn. He is also survived by daughter Mary Zieschang Schulze (Danny Schulze); grandchildren: Erika (Jason), Evan (Celina), Blake (Rachel), Derek (Emily), Hannah (Bryan), Austin, Krista (Garrett), Lauren (Garrett), and Marissa (in heaven); and great-grandchildren: Beckett, Judah, Vivienne, Luke, Soren, Emma, Ava, Isaiah, Sloane, Hosanna, Eleanor, Cooper, Eames, Erik, Florence, George, Eden, Evren, and two more great-grandchildren expected in 2025. He was dearly loved by his nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Rollin and Eldeen were devoted supporters of their grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event, choir concert, graduation, or wedding.

Rollin was deeply appreciated by both residents and caregivers at the retirement home, where he and Eldeen lived for the past five and a half years. One of his daily highlights was to read a devotional to fellow residents after exercise class. He engaged warmly with those around him, always showing gratitude to the staff who served with kindness and care. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to those who went out of their way to care for Rollin with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Rollin will be remembered for his legacy of faith, service, family, kindness, and humor. His May 5, 1946, Confirmation verse: Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. -Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Trinity Downtown, 800 Houston Avenue, Houston, TX 77007.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:

Concordia University – 800 N. Columbia Ave., Seward, NE 68434

Or Lutherans for Life – 1101 5th Street, Nevada, IA 50201-1816