Karla Lu Katterhenry

May 27, 1943 – July 16, 2026

Karla Lu Katterhenry, 83, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 27, 1943, in Kokomo, Ind., to Leo and Beatrice (Graf) Pfotenhauer, Karla lived a life rooted in faith, family, and – of course – the Purdue Boilermakers.

In 1946, Karla’s family moved to Carmel, where she attended Carmel schools from Kindergarten through high school, graduating from Carmel High School in 1961. During her high school years, she worked at the local drugstore owned by Mr. John Brown, where she served the Carmel community with joy, greeting every customer with a smile.

Karla went on to attend Purdue University, graduating in 1969. On June 22, 1969, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Katterhenry. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Kurt and Kevin, whom she loved dearly.

Once her boys began school, Karla began her career as an instructional assistant at Carmel Elementary School, where she faithfully served students and teachers for 29 years. She retired in the summer of 2012 so she could spend the rest of her life as a loving wife and vibrant Grammy.

An avid reader, Karla could often be found with a good book in hand. She was also a devoted Purdue fan who faithfully cheered on the Boilermakers through every season.

Karla loved her country and was proud to call herself an American. Above all, her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. Even to her last breaths, she lived as a faithful witness to His love and grace, encouraging those around her through her kindness, compassion, and steadfast trust in God.

Karla will be remembered for her warm smile, her optimistic spirit, and her remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, whether a lifelong friend or someone she had just met. Her legacy lives on in the family she treasured and the countless lives she touched through her love, generosity, and enduring faith.

Karla is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, James “Jim” Katterhenry; her sons, Kurt (Susan) Katterhenry and Kevin (Lacy) Katterhenry; her eight grandchildren; her great-granddaughter; her twin sister Karen (Ed) Michael and youngest sister Elyce Meilstrup, and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Beatrice (Graf) Pfotenhauer; her brother, Terry Pfotenhauer; and her beloved nieces, Paula Baugh and Evelyn Rodgers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m., at Carmel Friends Church, 651 W. Main St., Carmel. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Karla’s remarkable life.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing that Karla is now in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23