diff --git a/dataclass_wizard/models.py b/dataclass_wizard/models.py
index 2aa60d5f..99e2f7cd 100644
--- a/dataclass_wizard/models.py
+++ b/dataclass_wizard/models.py
@@ -18,17 +18,11 @@
 # The `type` statement is introduced in Python 3.12
 # Ref: https://docs.python.org/3.12/reference/simple_stmts.html#type
 #
-# TODO: Remove function declaration once we drop support
-#   for Python 3.9-3.11
-def get_catch_all():
-    if PY312_OR_ABOVE:
-        type CatchAll = Mapping
-        return CatchAll
-    else:
-        return NewType('CatchAll', Mapping)
-
-
-CatchAll = get_catch_all()
+# TODO: uncomment following usage of `type` statement
+#   once we drop support for Python 3.9 - 3.11
+# if PY312_OR_ABOVE:
+#     type CatchAll = Mapping
+CatchAll = NewType('CatchAll', Mapping)
 
 
 class Extras(PyTypedDict):