Obituary of Martin L Kater

Martin L. Kater

Martin “Marty” L. Kater, was born on Sep 29, 1942 in Binghamton, NY to Donald and Esther (nee Oretskin) Kater. Marty, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023 at his home in Melbourne (Suntree), Florida. Marty spent the last year of his life fighting cancer, trying to stay positive, visualizing himself back on the tennis court, worrying about Val and his family, but eventually cancer won out. Valarie was by his side, along with both sons, Geoffrey and James, and Marty’s brother Robert.

Marty had an amazing life. Early years were spent in Germany where his father worked for the U.S. Government on post-war issues. Marty learned to speak German, and truly loved German food! The Kater family moved back to the U.S. and resided in Washington D.C. Marty was a paperboy, diligently rising and delivering papers early in the morning, and catching a hot bagel or blintz on his way home. He was an Eagle Scout and traveled with his troop across the US, visiting many historic sites. Marty graduated from George Washington High School in 1960 and entered college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. He was Captain of the Georgia Tech Swim Team and spent summers life-guarding at various locations. Marty graduated in 1964 and entered the U.S. Air Force.

Marty’s Air Force career spanned 27 years where he rose in rank to Full Colonel. During this time, he gained his Master’s Degree from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA. Assignments included: Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia (flight school); Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA (Navigator/Electronic Warfare School); Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio (during this time, Marty completed 100 B-52 missions in Vietnam); Castle AFB, Merced, CA (B-52 Instructor); Sembach, Germany (ATOC); Ramstein AFB, Germany (HQ USAFE, Salty Control); Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE (Commander, Hq Squadron); Military Enlistment Processing Command, Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL (Dir Info Sys); AFTAC, Patrick AFB, FL (Dir, Comm and Computer Sys). Marty retired from the Air Force Jul 31, 1991. He completed his working career at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Marty loved anything “flight” related….even airplane food!

Marty was passionate about his family, swimming, tennis, cooking, travelling, wine, and the San Francisco 49ers. He absolutely loved his wife and family!

Marty is survived by his beloved wife, Valarie J Kater (nee Bodnar), son Geoffrey (Cheryl), son James (Mai), and brother Robert (Kathleen) Kater. We have three beautiful grandchildren: Misha (16), Alina (10), and Carolina (6). He is predeceased by his parents, Donald and Esther Kater.

Expressions of sympathy in Marty’s memory can be made to: · Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) · 2nd Harvest Food Bank · American Cancer Society

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 24, 2023, 10-12 am at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 South Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 3293