Notes:

Richard "Dick" Kathan, of Prior Lake, passed away on August 12, 2015 at the age of 89. A Celebration of Life Service is Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 -11:00 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Dick will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are preferred and can be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Youngstown or to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls in Dick's honor.

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

Dick was a volunteer firefighter and first responder in Youngstown, New York for 56 years. He served as the Fire Police Chief as well as the fire department's president, treasurer and secretary. He was a founding member of the department's ambulance service and was captain of the village's Fire Police.


A man of strong faith, Dick 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, Minnesota. Throughout the years, Dick 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 August 12, 2015, Dick went to be with the Lord. He passed away at Arbor Lane Assisted Living in Burnsville with his family by his side. Dick will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Charlotte; sons, Richard "Rick" W. (Elizabeth "Beth" Kathan, Jr., Ken P. (Chris) Kathan; grandchildren, Richard W. (Megan) Kathan III, Thomas W. Kathan, Mary E. Kathan, Melissa J. Kathan; great-grandson, Connor R. Kathan; other loving relatives and many friends. There to greet Dick in Heaven were his parents, George and Ruth Kathan and his brother, George "Bud" Kathan.

A Memorial Service to honor Dick's life and legacy Noon, Sunday September 6, 2015 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 420 Lockport Street, Youngstown NY 14174. The memorial service will be followed by a reception at the church.

Please visit www.niagara-gazette.com/obituaries for online guest register.

Richard married GIFFORD, Charlotte Ann [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: DILLINGHAM, Elizabeth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: DESANTIS, Christine. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]