Elmer Robert Kath

ELMER ROBERT KATH, age 87 of Owatonna, formerly of Waseca, died on Monday, May 20, 2024.

Elmer was born on the family farm in Waseca on March 27, 1937, to parents Albert and Marge (Studer) Kath.  He attended country school in Waseca while working on the family farm.  Elmer met the love of his life and married LuAnn Olson on October 29, 1965, in Medford.  Together they made their home in Meriden before purchasing their own farm.  Elmer drove a milk truck for the Meriden Creamery and worked various odd jobs over the winter months, but his most loved vocation has always been farming.  He was a crop farmer and raised Belgian draft horses.  He was widely known to use his horses for farming, going to parades and horse plowing contests at FarmFest.  He loved his many relationships with the draft horse community.  He was involved with the Minnesota Horse Breeders Association, and he volunteered on the Waseca County Fair Board.   He liked playing buck euchre with his family and card friends, often saying "I'll take it alone".  He treasured times with his daughters and their families. In the last few years when mobility was difficult, he so appreciated the many road trips with his brother Eldon, especially going to the see the Amish where he became a well-known visitor.  Elmer was a loving, generous, man who was devoted to his family and quick to pick up the tab for dinner or help his family members in need.  He was a grateful man, always remembering and thanking those that helped him along the way.  He was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Meriden.

Elmer is survived by two children, Bev (Greg) Brinkman of New Ulm, and Sarah (Matt) Dickerson of Farmington; five grandchildren, Patrick Brinkman, Kaylee (Ryan) Johnson, Beau (fiancé Jada Kraus) Brinkman, Ellie Dickerson, and Isaac Dickerson; three great-grandchildren, Ava Johnson, Greta Johnson, and Clay Johnson; four siblings, Ruth Schendel, Eldon Kath, Esther Johnson, and Ron (Kim) Kath; sisters-in-laws, Linda Kath and Linda (Jim) Anderson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant son; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed (Kay) Kath, Roy (Carol) Kath, and “Cob” Kath; and brothers-in-law, Bud Schendel, Gene Johnson and Clifford Olson.