Linda G. Cattau, 79, of Columbus, Nebraska, died peacefully with Melissa by her side, Friday, January 2, 2026, at Columbus Community Hospital following a sudden medical event.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, at 10:30 AM, at Christ Lutheran Church with Rev. William Voelker officiating.  Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Christ Lutheran Cornerstone Center. PLEASE NOTE Christ Lutheran Childcare is open at this time.  Do not block the drive thru for parent pick up time. Memorials are in Linda's words - "Instead of flowers, plants, stones or signs, I encourage you to make a donation to/or volunteer at a special organization in your community  to help make your corner of the world a better place.  All other memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church Cornerstone Center or the wishes of my family."  The service will be live streamed on Christ Lutheran Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChristLutheranColumbusNE

Linda Gay Cattau was born April 23, 1946, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Werner and Elsa (Otte) Cattau.  She was the oldest sibling to her four brothers.  She was baptized at home on May 5, 1946.  Linda attended Christ Lutheran Grade School and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado, on April 10, 1960.  In 1964, Linda graduated from Leigh High School where she was the homecoming queen.

In 1972, Linda became a single mother to Melissa.  She strived very hard to provide a comfortable, faith-based, and loving home.  She always kept a budget and lived with-in her means, nothing extravagant.  Over the years, Linda worked alongside her father and brothers on the family farm.  She also worked for a bank in Arvada, Colorado, Columbus Federal Saving & Loan, Tooley Drug, The Nu, SunMart, Lakeview High School, Christ Lutheran School and Pro Med Care.  In her retirement years, Linda greatly enjoyed her time sitting with her buddy Larson Wilke as his family attended various activities.  The past 15 months was filled with love and affection as Linda did volunteer work in the Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Community Infant Room.  She dearly loved rocking and feeding "her babies" and the snuggle time that she got.

Linda was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church where she sang in the adult choir and held various positions over the years.  Linda was active in the Ladies Aid/ LWML and enjoyed ordering and organizing the greeting card selections available for CL members.  She was on a bowling team in her younger years.  Linda enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, watching the Diamondbacks or Royals with a cold beer and a bowl of popcorn.  She was able to get away for several trips to Arizona to visit family.  A very special memory for her was going to a Diamondbacks game.  A special tradition while visiting in Arizona was "beering down the sun."

In 2024, her brother Cliff invited her to move into his basement at Christophers Cove.  She loved her time living there watching lake life activities of birds, boats and fish from her patio view.  Also in 2024, Linda was excited to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of her heart surgery of a mitral valve replacement.  She was grateful for her "25 bonus years."

Linda was proud of her grandsons and supported the life of ranching and agriculture they had chosen. She loved the visits with her great granddaughters Kinsley and Andi who were so excited to see "great Mimi" and visit her at "the beach."  She loved doing puzzles with them.

Linda had an open ear, willing to listen to anyone's problems or concerns.  She was ready to offer her opinion and advice, whether you asked for it or not.  Linda continued to give, even after death, by being a donor through Live On Nebraska.

Family here on earth to cherish her memory are:
Daughter – Melissa and Craig Foltz of Platte Center, NE
Grandson – Austin Foltz and Paige of Hanna, WY; great granddaughters Kinsley and Andi
Grandson – Brock Foltz and Mikayla of Columbus, NE
Brother – Bill and Marian Cattau of Columbus, NE
Brother – Curt and Ruth Ann Cattau of Loveland, CO
Brother – Cliff and Linda Cattau of Columbus, NE
Brother – Arlyn and Ann Cattau of Columbus, NE
Nieces, Nephews and cousins
Aunt – Leona Kant of Columbus, NE
Christ Lutheran family and cherished friends

Family greeting Linda in heaven are:
Parents – Werner and Elsa Cattau

SERVICE FOLDER

In Loving Memory Of

Linda G. Cattau
April 23, 1946 ~ January 2, 2026

And we know that in all things God works for
the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (Linda's confirmation verse)

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best

Mosiah Lyman Hancock

In Loving Memory Of

Linda G. Cattau

Born
Tuesday, April 23, 1946
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Friday, January 2, 2026
Columbus, Nebraska

Memorial Service
Friday, January 23, 2026    10:30 AM
Christ Lutheran Church
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. William Voelker

Music
Karla Dixon – Organist
Congregational Hymns
"I'm But A Stranger Here"
"When Peace Like A River"
"Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing"
Duet
Ann Cattau & Donna Jaixen
"Jealous Of The Angels"
Quartet
Ann Cattau, Donna Jaixen, Luther Bakenhus, Lawrence Franzen
"The Little Brown Church In The Vale"

Please join the family in the Christ Lutheran
Cornerstone Center for lunch immediately
Following the service.