Istvan “Pista” “Steve” Katai was born on September 2, 1935, in Hungary. A remarkable man known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those around him, Steve passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, forever cherished by all who knew him.

At 21 years old, Steve bravely left Hungary and journeyed to Austria before eventually settling in Germany. It was there, at a festival, that he met the love of his life, Karin Mutz, simply by asking her for a dance. That single dance began a lifetime filled with music, laughter, and adventure. Together, they spent countless nights dancing and traveling to different cities to follow their favorite bands.

In 1960, they welcomed their first daughter, Silvia, while living in Germany. A year later, in 1961, Steve and Karin made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States, the same country where Steve’s mother was born and where his grandparents once lived in Mishawaka, Indiana.

After arriving in the U.S., they chose to make Bridgman, Michigan their home. Steve began working at Pemco while building a life rooted in hard work and dedication to his family. In 1966, their second daughter, Rita, was born, and family quickly became the center of Steve’s world.

In 1967, Steve proudly started his own business, Katai Machine Shop. Over the years, the business became a true family effort, with his son in law, Benno Hinrichs, working alongside him and family and friends always lending a helping hand in building its future.

Steve was known as “Papa” to his daughters and “Opa” to his grandchildren. He loved sharing stories from his life, singing beautiful songs, and talking about the animals he adored, especially horses and dogs, “man’s best friend,” which reminded him of his childhood working alongside them as a young boy.

Opa was also known for the advice he lovingly gave his grandchildren: “Never get old.” After the heartbreaking loss of his daughter and granddaughter, his words gently changed to, “Live a long life, but never get old.” He also never missed the opportunity to share his expert advice on keeping your feet warm. Those small but meaningful pieces of wisdom, humor, and love will remain with his family forever.

Steve carried many passions throughout his life. He loved golf, table tennis, and playing chess, where many believed no one could beat him. He enjoyed woodworking, especially wood turning, creating pieces with the same patience, skill, and care he brought to everything he did. Most of all, he loved soccer. Steve served as the soccer manager for the St. Joe Kickers Club, where he and Karin dedicated countless hours supporting the club and the community they cherished.

Steve lived a life defined by resilience, devotion, and perseverance. From leaving his homeland in search of a better future, to building a business, raising a family, and creating lifelong friendships, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Istvan, Steve, Pista, Papa, Opa, all names for the same extraordinary man. A man so deeply loved that one name could never fully capture the life he lived or the impact he made. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless memories he created.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Karin (Mutz) Katai; his daughter, Rita (Billy) Rahaim; his grandchildren, Sabrina Hinrichs, Elisabeth Fedor and her fiancé, Sebastian Avello, and John Fedor; his sisters in law, Ilse Lubbe and Sonja (John) Papoutsis and their families; as well as Frank (Kelley) Buchhorn and family, Klaus (Kathy) Buenger and family, and many wonderful lifelong friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Maria (Jancso) Katai and Ferenc Katai; his brothers, Ferenc and Janos Katai; his daughter, Silvia (Katai) Hinrichs; his son in law, Benno Hinrichs; and his granddaughter, Sarah (Hinrichs) Tyler.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date and announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Steve’s family will forever remember his strength, humor, wisdom, and the love he poured into every chapter of his life.