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Obit: Richard 'Dick' Kathan

Sat, Aug 15th 2015 09:55 am

Richard "Dick" Kathan of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at the age of 89.

Kathan was a volunteer firefighter and first responder in Youngstown for 56 years. He served as fire police chief as well as the fire department's president, treasurer and secretary. He was a founding member of the fire company's ambulance service and was captain of its fire police.

Kathan was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He was always happy and laughing, generous and ready to lend a helping hand. Kathan made friends quickly and everyone loved him. He taught his family the importance of serving your community.

A man of strong faith, Kathan was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Youngstown, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Throughout the years, Kathan served as president and trustee for his congregations. He accomplished a lot and had much to be proud of, but he was always humble.

During the early morning hours of Aug. 12, Kathan went to be with the Lord. He passed away at Arbor Lane Assisted Living in Burnsville, Minnesota, with his family by his side.

He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Charlotte; sons, Richard "Rick" W. (Elizabeth "Beth") Kathan Jr. and Ken P. (Chris) Kathan; grandchildren, Richard W. (Megan) Kathan III, Thomas W. Kathan, Mary E. Kathan and Melissa J. Kathan; great-grandson, Connor R. Kathan; other loving relatives and many friends. There to greet him in heaven were his parents, George and Ruth Kathan, and his brother, George "Bud" Kathan.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Kathan will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. 

Memorials in Kathan's honor are preferred and can be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Youngstown or to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls.

Arrangements by Ballard Sunder Funeral and Cremation of Prior Lake. Visit www.BallardSunderFuneral.com.

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