Fred Allen Katz (84) of Effingham

Fred Allen Katz, 84, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Willowbrook of Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery in Greenup, IL, with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Fred was born on June 10, 1938, in Vandalia, IL, the only child of George A. and Cathern M. (Baker) Katz. He married Linda L. (Kemper) Pfeifer in May of 1991, and she preceded him in death on May 13, 2020. Fred graduated from Effingham High School in the Class of 1957. He served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. Fred was a third generation with the Illinois Central Railroad, hiring out in 1958. He accepted early retirement in 1993. Throughout his life, Fred had many hobbies. He learned to hunt and fish from his father. After retirement, he became a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and was a long-time member of the National Trail Amateur Radio Club of Effingham. His call sign was KB91YM which will be retired from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission roles. He loved to build antennas to get the best performance. He was a long-time member of the Effingham Elks Lodge 1016, the Effingham American Legion Post 120, charter member of Effingham Fraternal Order of Eagles Club and 2nd Worthy President.

Fred is survived by his stepsons, James Pfeifer of High Ridge, MO, Jeffery Pfeifer of Toledo, IL, and Michael Pfeifer of Effingham; and 3 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Linda.