On March 23, 2019, the world lost the wit, charm, courage, love, and beautifully timed sarcasm, of Jordan Daniel Katka from Castroville. He left us way too soon after a courageous 82 day battle at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Jordan came into our lives March 18, 1993, the son of Dan and Kim (Carbon) Katka from San Antonio. Everyone loved Jordan. He reached “rock star” status with students and faculty while attending Medina Valley Schools because of his easy going demeanor, self-deprecating humor, and accepting attitude towards all. This admiration was evident during his graduation from Medina Valley High School in 2012 when his classmates and a packed Panther Stadium gave him a standing ovation when he was called to receive his diploma.
Jordan was born with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and lost his ability to walk after he turned five years old. He was confined to a motorized wheelchair, but he didn’t let that slow him down. When he was a young boy, he competed in numerous Special Olympic Games where he crushed his challengers and donned multiple gold and silver medals in bowling and also participated in track and field events. He joined the Boy Scouts and earned several awards and badges. Because of his vibrant personality, positive demeanor, and fearlessness, his life journey of battling MD was featured on the Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon for several years.
During his freshman through senior years, Jordan rocked copious percussion instruments in the Medina Valley High School Band. He loved being in the band. Some of his most memorable moments were jamming out at concerts and competitions with his band mates. After high school, Jordan became an accomplished photographer. His distinct style was sought after to capture life-changing moments such as engagements, weddings, and graduations. Sea World of Texas and a rising rock band recognized his unique gifting behind the lens and called on his expertise to use his photos for marketing purposes.
Jordan lived an inspirational life. He was friendly. He had a passion to meet new people and make others laugh. He was accepting. Anyone who knew him would tell you they never felt judged by him, he made everyone feel special no matter who they were. He was a good listener. People would lean on him during difficult times and always came away encouraged. He was strong. Throughout his life he had over 100 surgeries/procedures on virtually every part of his body and faced death multiple times. He was fearless and unpretentious. He would sing karaoke knowing he wasn’t a great singer, he danced even though he couldn’t stand, he stood up for those treated unfairly, he cried not caring what anyone thought, he gave his opinion yet admitted when he was wrong, he didn’t seek popularity, but was adored by many. He lived life to the fullest and never took one day for granted.
Jordan will be missed tremendously by his parents, Dan and Kim Katka of Castroville; his older brother, Joshua (Maria) of Evergreen, Colorado; twin brother, Andrew of Castroville, younger sisters, Naomi (DeLa) Antunes of San Antonio, and Hannah of Castroville; grandparents, Paul and Sharon Carbon of Highbridge, Wisconsin and Margaret Katka of Mullen, Wisconsin. Jordan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Wayne Katka.
A Celebration of Life Service was held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Castroville. A reception followed at the Katka home.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville.