Reuben Kath

Reuben W. Kath, 83, Wahpeton, ND, died unexpectedly Sunday September 14, at his home. The funeral service will be Thursday, 11:00 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church , Wahpeton, with Rev. Morris W. Stephens, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5 PM to 8 PM with a 7 PM prayer service at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, and one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery , Wahpeton, with Military Honors by Hafner-Miller-Ross American Legion Post No. 20, Wahpeton.

Reuben Walter Kath, 12 ^th of 13 children (6 boys and 7 girls) was born to John and Martha (Kolterman) Kath on September 1, 1925. Reuben was born and raised in Hankinson. He served in the Army from 1949 to May of 1951, and received an honorable discharge. He married Maxine Lois Schmidt on May 1, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church , El Paso , Texas . He worked briefly as a fireman shoveling coal for steam-driven locomotives on the Soo Line. He later became a fireman and eventually an engineer for the Great Northern Railway, later known as the Burlington Northern. He worked there for 38 years before retirement in 1985. Reuben also had a hobby farm around Wahpeton Airport with fellow railroader, Corwin “Corky” Kressin.

Reuben was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church , Wahpeton, for 59 years and also was a member of the Wahpeton American Legion. He loved and played baseball for Great Bend and Mooreton in the Southern League and softball for Driftwood Lounge. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing cards (particularly pinochle) and gardening. Reuben was known for his tomatoes of which he had over 100 plants and sold them from an “on you honor” stand in front of his house. He also enjoyed wood carving, wine and sausage making and following his grandchildren’s activities.

Reuben is survived by his wife Maxine Kath, Wahpeton; two sons and two daughters; Lyle (Jody) Kath, Eyota, MN; Jody (Lamar) Getz, Washburn, ND; Cheri (Clint) Wanek, Bismarck, ND; John (Deb) Kath, Wahpeton; seven grandchildren: Carisa (Justin) Marovec, Darian & Shelly Kath, Amy & Chris Edwards, Marti Goetz, MichelleWanek, Mariah & Preston Kath, three great grandchildren: Madesyn & Bostyn Edwards, and Alalyna Marovec; and his sister, Dorothy Hanson, Hankinson

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, six sisters, and granddaughter Jacy Lynn.