Rev. Harvey Kath

Rev. Harvey Kath

Rev. Harvey Gerald Kath, age 80, of Plymouth, MN, and formerly of Glencoe, MN, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at J. A. Wedum Hospice House in Brooklyn Park, MN. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 5, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, MM, with interment following at the church cemetery. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Daniel Welch ~ Rev. Dr. Robert Holst Remarks: LCMS District President ~ Lucas Woodford Organist: Dawn Wolter Soloist: Jenni Becker ~ "In Christ Alone" Special Music: First Evangelical Lutheran Choir ~ "Reach Out" Congregational Hymns: "For All The Saints," "A Mighty Fortress," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

Casket Bearers: Jonathan Kath, Alison Kath, Alexander Kath, Anthony Kath, Paul Dvorak, Patrick Kaytor

Rev. Harvey Gerald Kath was born on June 2, 1938, in Pequot Lakes, Crow Wing County, MN. 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, MN, and confirmed in his faith on May 11, 1952, by Rev. G. L. Kath at St. John Lutheran in Villard, MN. He received his elementary education in Trosky and Villard, MN. 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, MO, 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, WI. Harvey and Norita made their home in several places throughout their marriage including Papua New Guinea, Hamburg WI, and Glencoe, Park Rapids and most recently in Plymouth, MN. 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, WI. He completed his work life at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe MN, 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. 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.

Arrangements by the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel of Glencoe. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.mcbridechapel.com . Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.