Ron A. Katke

Mass of Christian Burial for Ron A. Katke, age 79, of Milaca, will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milaca with Fr. James Remmerswaal O.S.C. officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday at the Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Church Cemetery. Music will be provided by Nancy Boecher, Dan and Julie Edgren, Edie Lesnick, and the St. Mary’s Choir. Casketbearers will be Patrick Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Dave Zidar, Matthew Zidar, Jason Oakes and John Olund. Honorary casket bearers will be Leon Schoumaker, Shawn Johnson, and Joshua Zidar. Ron died on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He was born on October 19, 1935 to Tony and Dorothy (Malisheske) Katke in St. Cloud. He attended Burnhelm Country School and graduated from Milaca High School in 1954. After high school, Ron worked for the ore ship-Lake Superior, and Scott Atwater Outboard Motor Division in Minneapolis. He was united in marriage to Marion A. Johnson on June 3, 1960 at St. Kathryn’s Catholic Church in Ogilvie. He began farming in 1963 in addition to working at Pure Oil, and Inland (Winkelman) Lumber until retiring. Ron enjoyed putzing on his farm, fixing small engines, having coffee at the local cafés, watching football, and spending time with the family. His hobbies were fishing trips to Canada, bowling, and snowmobiling. He is survived by daughters, Cynthia (David) Zidar of East Bethel, Christina Katke of Blaine; sons, John (Joyce) of Foley, and Randy (Brandi) of Milaca; 7 grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua and Jennifer Zidar, Nicole (Chris) Wourms, Kelsey Katke, Zoey and Kalysta Katke, and the dogs; sister, Renee Schoumaker of Milaca; sister-in-laws, Betty (Ray) Edgren of Milaca and Delores (Jerry) Lindstrom of Shakopee; brother-in-law, Robert (Ann) Johnson of Milaca and; also by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; parents, Tony & Dorothy Katke; and brother-in-laws, Ben Schoumaker and Ed Johnson.