The Rev. Harvey Kath, 80, of Plymouth
The Rev. Harvey Gerald Kath, 80, of Plymouth, Minnesota, and formerly of Glencoe, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 30, at J. A. Wedum Hospice House in Brooklyn Park. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, with interment following at the church cemetery.
Pastor Daniel Welch and the Rev. Dr. Robert Holst were the officiating clergy
LCMS District President Lucas Woodford delivered remarks.
Dawn Wolter was the organist and soloist Jenni Becker performed “In Christ Alone.” The First Evangelical Lutheran Choir performed “Reach Out,” “For All The Saints,” “A Mighty Fortress,” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”
Jonathan Kath, Alison Kath, Alexander Kath, Anthony Kath, Paul Dvorak, and Patrick Kaytor were casket-beareres.
The Rev. Harvey Gerald Kath was born June 2, 1938, in Pequot Lakes, Crow Wing County, Minn. He was the son of Gerald Leonard and Erna Dorothea (Bruns) Kath. He was baptized June 19, 1938, by the Rev. G. L. Kath at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, and confirmed in his faith May 11, 1952, by the Rev. G. L. Kath at St. John Lutheran in Villard, Minn. The Rev. Kath received his elementary education in Trosky and Villard. Harvey attended Concordia Academy during his high school years, graduating in 1956. He continued his education attending Concordia Senior College and graduating in 1960. The Rev. Kath completed his education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., graduating with a master’s degree of sacred theology in 1964.
July 28, 1962, the Rev. Kath was united in marriage to Norita Mae Willner by the Rev. G. L. Kath at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, Wis. He and Norita made their home in several places throughout their marriage, including Papua New Guinea, Hamburg Wis., Glencoe, Park Rapids and most recently in Plymouth. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Rachel, Jonathan and Kristina and three grandchildren, Alison, Alexander and Anthony. Harvey and Norita have shared over 56 years of marriage.
The Rev. Kath was a minister of the gospel. His first call was to work in the mission field in Papua New Guinea from 1965-1969. He then served at St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Immanuel Lutheran Church all in Hamburg, Wis. The Rev. Kath completed his work life at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, serving there for 26 years from 1976-2002. After retirement, he returned to his mission work in Papua New Guinea. The Rev. Kath was an active member in Papua New Guinea Mission Society producing educational materials and participating as a board member. He was able to return to Papua New Guinea 10 times to continue his work there. He was also a member of the Glencoe Rotary Club.
The Rev. Kath was an adventurous person with a great sense of humor who loved to tell jokes. He enjoyed gardening, stamp collecting and reading. He was an avid sports fan always in the stands cheering on his home team or practicing his skills as an armchair ref cheering on the Vikings. The Rev. Kath loved to explore and learn about history and different cultures. He traveled around the world with Norita to Russia, China, Greece, Egypt, Europe, the South Pacific, Australia and the Holy Land. He cherished his time spent with friends and family. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren.
The Rev. Kath passed away Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the J. A. Wedum Hospice House in Brooklyn Park at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 28 days.
Blessed be his memory. He is survived by his wife, Norita Kath of Plymouth; children, Rachel Kath-Dvorak and her husband, Paul, of Minneapolis, Jonathan Kath of Otsego, Kristina Kath of Plymouth; grandchildren, Alison Kath, Alexander Kath, Anthony Kath; sister, Harriet Weisgram and her husband, Dennis, of Alexandria; brothers, Gordon Kath and his wife, Roxanne, of Nevis, Vernon Kath and his wife, Linda, of Evansville; sister-in-law, Nancy Kath of Seattle; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.
The Rev. Kath was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Erna Kath; brother, Gilbert Kath.
Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran School in Glencoe, Papua New Guinea Mission Society and Concordia University in St. Paul.
The Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel of Glencoe handled the arrangements. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.mcbridechapel.com and visitors can click on obituaries/guest book.
