Albin Louis Katzner

Albin Louis "Al" Katzner, age 75, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of the Anoka and Andover, MN areas, passed away unexpectedly from a massive heart attack while putting his dock in the lake on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2014. Al was born on August 5, 1938 in Albany, MN to Ludwig and Apolloinia (Bohmer) Katzner. He attended public schools, graduating from the Albany High School with the Class of 1956. After high school, Al entered the United States Army where he completed his basic training at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. He then proudly served his country while stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA for the rest of his active duty. Al received his honorable discharge in February of 1962, when he returned to Minnesota and learned the cement masonry trade. He began his own cement contracting company in the 60's called the "Albin Katzner Cement Company". He operated his business in Anoka and the surrounding suburbs. He met Pat, the love of his life, in February 1989 and they bought their home on Island Lake in February of 1990. He actively ran his company until 1995 at which time they moved permanently to their home north of Park Rapids on Island Lake. On August 8, 1998, Al was united in marriage to Patricia (Elinski) Lavedure at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Park Rapids. Al felt his life was fulfilled with Patricia these past 16 years. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting for deer, waterfowl and dropping a fishing line wherever the fish were biting. He also enjoyed working on his farm near Menahga and operating his black dirt excavating business. Al was also active in his community. He was a faithful member of St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church. He was instrumental in the formation of the Headwaters Animal Shelter which opened in April of 2003 and of which he was a lifetime member. He was also a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids and the MN Dark House and Angling Association where he was in charge of the Ice Castle community fish house. He was a past member of the Park Rapids Lions Club. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and soul mate, Patricia of Park Rapids; his three children from a previous marriage: Nancy Katzner of Park Rapids, Steven Katzner of Bloomington, MN and Roxanne Dennison of Elk River, MN; five dearly loved grandchildren; his sister, Ruth Ann Miller of Albany and two brothers, Louis Katzner of Albany and Linus Katzner of Underwood, MN; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM, Friday, May 16 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Tom Friedl officiating. The Alleluia Choir will lead the music. A Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, May 15 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with a Rosary Service to be held at 7 PM. There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service at the church on Friday at 10 AM. A memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday May 22, 2014 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, MN with a one hour visitation held prior to the Service. Inurnment will follow at the Seven Dolors Catholic Cemetery in Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Headwaters Animal Shelter in Park Rapids.