John Katainen 1930 – 2025

John R. Katainen, age 94, died Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Emerald Care and Rehab in Columbus, Nebr.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at McKown Funeral Home with the celebrant Chase Cherry officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard.
John Raymond Katainen was born Oct. 2, 1930 in Menahga, Minn., to Andrew and Sophia Katainen. He joined the US Air Force in October 1951. John was united in marriage to Joyce D. (Savela) on October 19, 1951, in Ruston, Louisiana while stationed there. Shortly after getting married, he served in Korea for 13 months during the Korean conflict.
John and Joyce had one son, Bryon Dean, born & died Oct. 7,1954.
John retired from the Air Force in 1971, after 20 years of service, as a Master Sergeant Training Instructor at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colo. After his Air Force career, he worked as a State of Colorado Driver’s License Examiner until retirement.
John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was very active on many boards and committees at their Heather Gardens Condo community in Aurora Colo., where they lived for many years. John and Joyce moved to Columbus, Nebr. in 2019 to be closer to family.

John is survived by hiswife, Joyce, of Columbus; sisters-in-law: Nancy Morton of Albion and Karen Savela of Inverness, Fla.; many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Elina, infant son Bryon Dean; siblings and spouses: Huldha Katainen, Hilma (Charles) Immonen, Ralph (Marcella) Katainen, Linda (Albert) Sarkela, Rudy (Lillian)Katainen, and Lila (Jack) Olson; brothers-in-law: H. Sterling Morton and Dale Savela.
Arrangements were entrusted to McKown Funeral Home. Columbus, NE. Online condolences may be left at www.mckownfuneralhome.com.5-14pd