Jack Lee Kater

Jack L Kater 89, died November 8, 2024. He was born July 24, 1935, in Newton, Kansas to Otto and Ella (Schmidt) Kater. On July 7, 1962, he married Sharol A. Wood. 

Jack attended schools in Cedar Point and Sedgwick, graduating from Sedgwick High School. He was a talented athlete and played football, basketball, and track. He was a member of the 1953 state basketball tournament championship team. He continued his education earning his undergraduate degree at Southwestern College and master’s degree at Wichita State University. 

Jack’s career was spent as a coach where he coached teams in Goddard, Lyons, Kansas City, Wichita, and Friends University. He was the athletic director, men’s basketball and golf coach at Friends University for many years where he earned the KCAC Coach of the Year award several times during his career. Jack enjoyed his time coaching and shaping athletes in their lives on and off the basketball court, and golf courses. His dedication to Friends University was acknowledged with the naming of the “Jack Kater Court” and his induction into the Friends University Sports Hall of Fame. 

He could often be found spending time on the golf course, but his greatest joy was his family. He greatly enjoyed being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He was loving, kind, and freely offered big hugs. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, free spirit and the inspiration he freely gave.

Jack is survived by his wife Sharol sons: Eric (Julie) Kater; Bruce (Ann) Kater; and Darin (Tara) Kater; daughter Shari (Curt) Grattan; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Cliff Kater.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday November 13th at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday November 14th at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick followed by a gathering from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Friends University “Jack Kater Court”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends University Athletic Fund and left with Petersen Funeral Home.