John Richard "Dick" Kathan

La Crosse/La Crescent - John “Dick” Richard Kathan, 92, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021 at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse.

He was born in La Crosse June 28, 1928 to Walter A. and Elsie (Redmann) Kathan. Three boys were born to Walter and Elsie: Wallace, Ralph and John (Dick). The family lived in La Crosse until Dick was eight years old at which time they moved to La Crescent. He attended grade school in La Crescent and middle school at Long Fellow, to which he rode his bicycle. After graduating from Central High School in 1946, Dick continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he majored in Horticulture.

During the Korean Conflict, Dick served in the US Army. His basic training was in Fort Riley, Kansas. After basic training, he trained to be paratrooper at Fort Campbell, KY. While stationed there, he was in the Headquarters Battalion of 11 ^th Airborne Division. It was there that Dick received his paratrooper wings. Dick loved baseball and won a position with the prestigious, Headquarters Battalion baseball team. Dick loved baseball and played with numerous players who later became professional ball players. While based at Fort Campbell, Dick traveled to La Crescent, on a three-day pass, to marry the love of his life, Betty Wetchen. Betty eventually joined Dick in Kentucky. After being discharged in 1952, Dick and Betty moved back to La Crescent.

In 1952, Dick and his brother Ralph purchased land from their grandfather and started the Ridge View Orchard. In 1957, he sold his share of Ridge View Orchard and became manager of La Crescent Orchard Supply. He eventually purchased the Orchard Supply building and property. During this time there were 25 orchards. Dick called on Orchard Supply customers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

As Dick grew closer to retirement, he was honored with plaques by the Minnesota Fruit Growers and Wisconsin Fruit Growers for outstanding service he provided to his customers. The Minnesota Fruit Growers also gave Dick the Golden Apple award for his dedicated work in helping orchardists (growers). This was the first time the Golden Apple award was given to a non-orchardist.

Dick was in charge of many committees at the United Methodist Church. He was a director for the Merchant’s Bank for 18 years. He was also a member of the Chamber of the Commerce, La Crescent School Board and the American Legion.

Dick loved to fish with Mike Ernster, play golf with friends and spend time on the river. Most important to Dick, was the time spent with his family. Dick’s children can tell you of many hilarious, family vacation stories of adventures and misadventures. He loved his Golden Retrievers, lawn mowing and whistling.

After retirement, Dick stayed active helping his son, Jeff, on the farm.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, nephew Jerry, son-in-law Steve Lenoch and many cousins.

Survivors include his loving wife Betty of more than 70 years, children Jane (Larry) Mierau of Rushford, MN, Deborah (George) Bushek of Onalaska, Jeff (Jean) Kathan of La Crescent and Doug (Nancy) Kathan of Fort Collins, CO. Seven grandchildren: Toni, Amy, Jared, Lindsey, Quentin, Libby, Zane, ten great grandchildren, and sister in law, Dixie (Jim) Sokolik.

A celebration of life will be held at La Crescent United Methodist Church at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 4, 2021. Pastor Diane Ciesluk will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 will take place in Toledo Cemetery, rural La Crescent. Visitation will be 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn while in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to La Crescent United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 595 and District Three Hundred Foundation.