Tom Cattani

Thomas Sommer Cattani, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 7, 2024, in Preston, ID.

Born on July 5, 1931, in Hollywood, CA, Tom grew up in Glendale, CA where he enjoyed basketball, rodeo, boxing, and lifeguarding at the beach. His love for the outdoors and the water stayed with him throughout his life. He especially cherished the Southern California coast, where he often amazed his children and grandchildren by effortlessly floating on his back for hours.

After high school, Tom attended Pierce Agricultural College and later Fresno State University, where he enjoyed participating in the rodeo club. He then chose to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, working among the Navajo people in the Southwest Indian Mission.

After his mission, Tom served in the Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he attended BYU, where he met and fell in love with Karla Geddes. They married on June 3, 1957, in the Logan Temple. Tom briefly taught agriculture in San Fernando, CA, before moving to Banida, ID, where he taught Vo-Ag for 15 years and Science for 20 years at West Side High School, from 1961 until his retirement in 1996—all while running the family farm in Banida.

Between teaching and farming, there was always work to be done, but Tom still found time to bring his family, friends, and neighbors to Twin Lakes. Many summer days and evenings were spent at the lake, where he taught countless people how to water ski.

Tom’s life centered around his faith in Jesus Christ. He served in many callings in the Church, including as the Bishop of the Banida Ward for seven years. Among his roles, his most cherished calling was as a faithful home teacher and minister. Known for his talent in teaching the gospel, Tom had a special gift for making complex ideas easy to understand.

After retiring from teaching, Tom and Karla were blessed to serve four missions together, including assignments in Istanbul, Turkey; Atlanta, GA; Salt Lake City Temple Square; and Palmyra, NY. His love for his Savior and commitment to service were defining aspects of his life.

He is survived by his children: Stephen (Janet), Ogden, UT; Kathryn, Phoenix, AZ; David, Orem, UT; Diann, Atlanta, GA; Christopher (Nancy), San Tan, AZ; Matthew (Tara), North Tustin, CA; Brent (Lori), Gilbert, AZ; 24 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jane Cattani of Tempe, AZ. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karla, and his brother, Ray.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Winder Ward Chapel, 4400 North 1600 West, Preston, ID, with Bishop Travis Talbot conducting.  A viewing will take place on Friday, November 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, and again on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the chapel. Interment will follow at Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.

 The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturdayt at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtu.be/2nk3Ap96Ius