Simon Katchkey

Simon was born January 10, 1924 in Sheboygan to Louis and Mary (Zussman) Katchkey. He attended Washington Elementary School and Sheboygan North High School, graduating in 1942.

Simon was one of four brothers to serve in the US military at the same time overseas during WWII. He enlisted in the US Army in 1944 and served until 1946. He was stationed in the European Theatre and received two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal. It was during that time that Simon met the love of his life, Elly Korber, a citizen of Germany. On February 9, 1951 they were united in marriage in Shaafheim, Germany. On August 21, 1952 the couple moved to Sheboygan to make their home. Simon, along with his brother, Meyer owned and operated the Evergreen Broom Mfg. Co, Inc. in Sheboygan until its sale 1992.

Together, Simon and Elly were very involved in supporting our troops in the USO Kaiserlautern through generous monetary and food donations. Every Wednesday they would travel to Milwaukee where they stopped at the Sisters of St. Francis and assisted them with donations and continued on to the Zablocki Veterans Medical Center to help prepare meals for the veterans. Simon served on the board of directors for the Wisconsin USO and received honors from them.

On April 22, 2012 Elly preceded Simon in death.

Simon was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and served as a State Officer for AMVETS. He helped to organize Sheboygan’s parades forVeteran’s Day, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day, always ensuring a US military presence.

He was recently honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs for having volunteered over 25,000 hours and he was also honored with a visit from retired Four Star General, Walter Duke, Jr. who presented him with the book TRIBUTE, A PICTORIAL OF THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL, signed by the author, Duane A. Lempke. May 5, 2008 was proclaimed Simon Katchkey Day by Sheboygan’s Mayor Juan Perez in honoring Simon’s love, dedication, and support to all Veterans.

Simon was an active member of Congregation Beth El in Sheboygan, and B’nai B’rith Association.

Simon is survived by his sisters, Ruth Choy of Sheboygan, Dorothy Josephson of Pewaukee, and Ida Hochstein of New York.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Elly, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Mike, Max, Morris, Milton, Albert, and Meyer; and two sisters, Jessie Stein and Rose Katchkey.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at Ballhorn Funeral Chapels. Lowell Louis, Pastoral Assistant, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Sheboygan Hebrew Cemetery in Kohler.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Simon’s family would like to extend a heartfelt to Dr. Louie Coulis and Dr. Scott Stillwell and their staff and all the volunteers that have helped him in his time of need, especially the great staff at Golden Living.

Simon will always be remembered for his generous

support of his family and his country