Suzanne M. (Heschl) Katona

Suzanne M. Heschl-Katona, 81, passed away on her husband’s birthday, Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at 11:16 a.m. in Memorial Hospital from complications of COPD, surrounded by her family.

Even though Suzanne was the only child born to Karl and Mary “Mitzi” (Wieger) Heschl, her mother was the oldest of 12 children, and Suzanne grew up with many cousins who were like brothers and sisters to her. Suzanne has one cherished aunt, Marge (George) Wieger, who survives.

On October 21, 1961, she married Don Katona. They just celebrated their 62nd anniversary. They have 3 children; Brian who passed in 2002, Jeffrey “Jeff” who passed in 2019, and Suzette Katona (Steve) Schmok. Suzette is blessed with 5 children and Suzanne is very proud of her 5 grandchildren who have earned all A’s in school; Adam, Tiffany, Anthony, Zachary who passed in 2008, and Melissa Schmok.

Suzanne went to Our Lady of Hungary Grade school, then graduated from Washington High School in 1960. She loved cooking big meals for all the holiday occasions, and always made Hungarian Tarhonya. We often had extra family and friends at the table over the years because Suzanne didn’t want anyone left out. Before retirement Suzanne was employed by The South Bend Water Works for 22 years, and received the “Key to the City” from Mayor Luecke. Previously, she worked at Wheel Horse, White Farm, Cutting Tools, and the SBPD. For a while there, the running joke was that everyplace Suzanne worked went out of business, so that’s why she decided to work for the government. Suzanne was a member of the former DFV German Club where she had her wedding reception, and where she bowled and enjoyed many dances and parties. She loved going out to dinner with family and friends, reunions, vacations, and parties. She had a knack for art, drawing, and arranging flowers. Though she never admitted to liking the casino, she could hold her own at the slots. When she would drive past a garage sale with her husband, he would hit the gas to speed past the sale, and Suzanne would get so frustrated all in good fun. She also enjoyed a good thrift shop, auction, and tag sale. She had a gift of negotiating a great deal, too. She will be missed by all her family and friends.

Viewing will take place from 2-5 Saturday, November 4th, 2023, in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 5:00pm. A private burial will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Ewing Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com.

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