Lauren Louis Kath

Lauren L. Kath, 80, of Spicer, died Wednesday, November 19 surrounded by his family at home. His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am, Thursday, December 4 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 3 from 5 to 7 pm at Johnson Funeral Home in New London and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery with military honors. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in New London.

Lauren Louis Kath was born on April 8, 1945, to Leonhard Reinhold and Dolphine Adelia (Anderson) Kath in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and attended Bemidji State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Lauren married Katherine Ann Kramer June 14, 1969 in Roseau and and enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1970. He served with the 6th Armored Cavalry at Ft. George G. Meade in Maryland until November 1971.

Lauren started his teaching career at Grand Rapids before joining the Army. He then went on to teach in a multi-age classroom at North Lake Elementary School in Rockville, Maryland and then Rossman Elementary School in Detroit Lakes, experiences he thoroughly enjoyed. Lauren also taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Washington and Roosevelt Elementary School in Detroit Lakes. He loved teaching and was a much sought-after educator.

Lauren and Katherine had four sons in 16 months: Mark, and then triplets, Paul, Steven, and John. He spent many years supporting their educational and athletic activities. His sons were his pride and joy, followed by his love for football, baseball, and “old guys” softball.

Lauren was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. He also volunteered with the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Family Promise, Meals on Wheels, his homeowner’s association, and as an election judge. He willingly helped his neighbor.

Lauren is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine Kath of Spicer; sons, Mark & Sara Anne (Hawkins) Kath and children: Ronan, Clodagh, and Mairead of Minneapolis, Paul & Erika (Swenson) Kath and their children: Blake, Reid, and Kade of New London, Steven & Christina (Makens) Kath of Eagan, and John & Melissa (LeMay) Kath and their children: Avery and Chloe of Camarillo, CA; sister, Karen (Clayton) Torbert of Slayton; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Kvien, Virginia (Richard) Morgan, and Margaret Kramer; brother-in-law, Robert (Dale Volkert) Kramer; and 11 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Kelman Kvien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans) at 1000 University Ave. W., Suite 110, St. Paul, MN 55104 or American Cancer Society, at PO Box 390829, Minneapolis, MN 55439-0829.

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