Obituary of William Kathmann, Jr.

William Kathmann, Jr. passed away at home on February 17, 2020, surrounded by family, three years after being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He fought the disease with dignity, courage, and a sense of humor. Bill was born to William and Gertrude (Koenig) Kathmann on November 25, 1941 in Delhi. He attended Delaware Academy, graduating in 1959. He graduated from Delhi University in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering. Bill worked as an engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation for 33 years. A lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Delhi, Bill contributed his time as a Board Member and as President of the congregation. On December 20, 1969, Bill married Marsha Stanbridge in Delhi. A devoted family man, he was a fantastic husband and father; his love of sports and outdoor activities became part of the fabric of family life. He himself grew up playing for the Delhi Bulldogs basketball team under Coach Shalkey and continued to play softball well into his 60’s. He encouraged his daughters in their athletic careers, offering support, advice, and time; he never missed a game. As his grandchildren grew, Bill took an active interest in their athletic careers as well, attending events ranging from Pickett’s League basketball and Legion soccer games to varsity football, basketball, baseball, and tennis competitions. His favorite teams, besides the Delhi Bulldogs, included the Giants, the Mets, and Duke’s basketball team. Bill spent many hours with friends and family snowmobiling and taking his boat out on the lake. He enjoyed using and maintaining anything with an engine, from tractors and chainsaws to trucks and classic cars. He could frequently be found mowing the lawn or snowblowing the driveway, either for himself or for a nearby family member. You could always rely on him to lend a car or hand if one was needed. His helpful nature was also evident in the countless hours he donated in his retirement to his daughters’ home improvement projects and his willingness to lend from his enviable supply of tools. Another of Bill’s favorite pastimes was finding a good deal. He spent countless hours scouring the papers for the best garage sales, and then he and Marsha would spend their weekends traveling to them. They also loved to visit their time shares in Virginia and North Carolina, but there was no place he loved better than home. Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marsha; two daughters: Jennifer (Dan) Sanford and Jill (Micaiah) Abts, both of Delhi; and six grandchildren: Trent Kathmann of Miami, Fla, Hunter, Luke, and Cade Sanford of Delhi, and Tyler and Cael Abts of Delhi. Also surviving are his mother, Gertrude Kathmann, and his sister, Margo Burrows, of Delhi. He was predeceased by his father, William Kathmann, Sr.; his brother in law, Harold Burrows; his great niece Ashley Kite; and his great nephew Ethan Sackett Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 6-8PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Delhi. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Thursday, March 12 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 565 Andes Rd, Delhi with the Rev. Thomas Fisher from Schenectady officiating. Burial in Woodland Cemetery, Delhi will follow, weather permitting. A light lunch will follow the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Delhi or Helios Care of Oneonta. A special thank you to the wonderful people at Helios that helped Bill and the family.