Service Information
Rev. Harvey Kath, age 80, of Plymouth, Minnesota, and formerly of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at J. A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 5, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 4, 2018, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, and will continue one hour prior the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to First Evangelical Lutheran School in Glencoe, Papua New Guinea Mission Society and Concordia University in St. Paul.
Obituary
Rev. Harvey Gerald Kath was born on June 2, 1938, in Pequot Lakes, Crow Wing County, Minnesota. He was the son of Gerald Leonard and Erna Dorothea (Bruns) Kath. Harvey was baptized on June 19, 1938, by Rev. G. L. Kath at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, and confirmed in his faith on May 11, 1952, by Rev. G. L. Kath at St. John Lutheran in Villard, Minnesota. He received his elementary education in Trosky and Villard, Minnesota. Harvey attended Concordia Academy during his high school years, graduating in 1956. Harvey continued his education attending Concordia Senior College and graduating in 1960. He completed his education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating with a Master of Sacred Theology Degree in 1964.
On July 28, 1962, Harvey was united in marriage to Norita Mae Willner by Rev. G. L. Kath at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, Wisconsin. Harvey and Norita made their home in several places throughout their marriage including Papua New Guinea, Hamburg Wisconsin, and Glencoe, Park Rapids and most recently in Plymouth, Minnesota. 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.
Harvey was a minister of the gospel. His first call was to work in the mission field in Papua New Guinea from 1965-1969. Harvey then served at St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church all in Hamburg, Wisconsin. He completed his work life at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe Minnesota, serving there for 26 years from 1976-2002. After retirement he returned to his mission work in Papua New Guinea. Harvey 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 ten times to continue his work there. He was also a member of the Glencoe Rotary Club.
Harvey 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. Harvey 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. Harvey cherished his time spent with friends and family. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren.
Harvey passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at the J. A. Wedum Hospice House in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 28 days.
Blessed be his memory.
Harvey is survived by his:
Wife, Norita Kath of Plymouth, MN;
Children, Rachel Kath-Dvorak and her husband, Paul, of Minneapolis, MN,
Jonathan Kath of Otsego, MN,
Kristina Kath of Plymouth, MN;
Grandchildren, Alison Kath,
Alexander Kath,
Anthony Kath;
Sister, Harriet Weisgram and her husband, Dennis, of Alexandria, MN;
Brothers, Gordon Kath and his wife, Roxanne, of Nevis, MN,
Vernon Kath and his wife, Linda, of Evansville, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Nancy Kath of Seattle, WA;
Nephews, Nieces, Other relatives and many friends.
Harvey 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.
Line Lindegren says
Thank you for all you gave.
It was a pleasure getting to know you – and your family!
Sharon Stenberg says
So sorry Jon and Family. Our deepest sympathy. Shane & Sharon Stenberg.
SANDRA S AABERG says
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. A wonderful person and a wonderful family.
May our Good and Gracious Lord be with the entire family at this time of sorrow. God Bless each and everyone of you. Love Sandy Skolberg-Aaberg and Ken.
Cheryl( Brelje) Templin says
So sad to hear of Pastor’s passing. He was such a kind hearted man. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Prayers to the family
Don Thuss says
Norita, Harvey was a good friend in seminary, in fact, we lived in the same apartment the first year. I know that the two of you were an extraordinary ministry team. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I wish for you and your family the peace that passes all understanding. Don & Mary Thuss
Kenneth Werring (Concordia, Bronxville '58 & River Forest '62) says
Praise the Lord as another of His children abide with Him in our heavenly home. May our Lord and Savior bring comfort to the family remaining. We give thanks for all the faith that the Rev. Kath brought in Word and Sacrament to so many both here in the USA and in Papua. God be praised! Although we may not have known one another while studying at the Senior College in Ft. Wayne, my thoughts and prayers will rise for the family.
Robert & Julie Stuenkel says
We are deeply saddened, Norita, to learn of Harvey’s death. The sharing of our 1964 Seminary class is the means, which also draws so many of us together in remembering Harvey before the Lord on this All Saints’ weekend and giving thanks for his gifted life. Julie and I are also thankful for the opportunities to be with you and Harvey at the Veterans of the Cross Retreats, in fact, my time in visiting with the two of you in March is renewed and vivid. We pray for you and your family, for God’s presence with strength, peace and hope. Love in Christ!
Rev. Dr. Paul and Edna Vasconcellos says
We were sorry to learn of the passing of Harvey. He was truly a great servant of the Lord who made excellent contributions to the ministry of the church and to his family. Tomorrow, November 5, we will join his family and friends in prayer as we remember and celebrate his life and rejoice in the faith and hope of our Risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit comfort you as you know Harvey is with the Lord and all the Saints in the Church Triumphant.
Together in the Savior’s Love and Grace,
Rev. Dr. Paul and Edna Vasconcellos
Annette Dressel says
So sorry for your loss Jon. Thinking of you during this tough time. May your heart be filled with great memories of your dad.
lynn schauer says
Dear Norita and family, We were unable to partake in the visitation or the service on Monday for Pastor Kath. Please know you have our sincere sympathy. The Lord giveth and takes away, but only for a while. You will reunite again ! Harvey is at peace now, and probably smiling down on all of us here. He was a GREAT MAN, A SUPERB PASTOR, A FANTASTIC GHS/ GSLHS SPORTS FAN, and a wonderful friend when in need, the list goes on and on. We intend to make a contribution to First Lutheran School (one of their funds) in Harvey’s honor. Take care,
Virgil and Lynn Schauer
Colleen Brelje says
Norita, Rachel, Jonathan and Christina,
Brad and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Harvey. He was a great man and holds a very special place in our hearts and our family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. May God grant you peace!
Brad and Colleen Brelje