Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in honor and remembrance of Firefighter Timothy Kath.

“Firefighter Kath was a dedicated firefighter who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Firefighter Kath for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.”

Firefighter Kath died on December 31, 2021, due to a medical condition obtained during line of duty service. Firefighter Kath dedicated 16 and a half years of service to the Tintah Fire Department. He is survived by his wife and their children.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota first responders fallen in the line of duty. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.

Firefighter Kath Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of TINTAH Firefighter TIMOTHY (TIM) Kath passed away Friday December 31, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Timothy Lee Kath was born, the second of two children, to Larry and Karen Kath on September 15, 1979. He grew up on a farm with his parents and older brother, Brian. He attended school in Campbell-Tintah from kindergarten through his senior year, graduating in 1998. Following high school, he continued his education at the North Dakota State College of Science, enrolling in the John Deere Parts and Marketing Program. He completed his studies in May of 2001, and promptly began working in Madison, MN at the John Deere dealership.

Tim had a passion for agriculture. In high school, he worked for Don Steenbock helping his farming operation. That passion brought him back to the area when he began working on Albertson Farms for Bruce and Mike Albertson, his first day happened to be on September 11, 2001. He continued working for Mike Albertson until his retirement. In January of 2016, Tim became a pivotal member of Jason Steenbock’s farming operations, where he remained in employment until his death. Tim kept himself extra busy by selling seed for Adams Seed Farm and his own farm operation including some small grains, cattle, hogs, and chickens.

While attending high school in Campbell, Tim became friends with Nathan Porter, and through him, met his sister, Erin. The two started dating on October 2, 1998. They became an official couple on the 14th of the same month. Tim proposed to Erin on March 8, 2001, in the parking lot behind the West Ridge Mall in Fergus Falls, MN. The two were married the same year on December 1st. Tim and Erin have 10 children: Parker 19; Madison 17; Hailey 17; Hunter 16; Tyler 13; Tanner 10; Kailyn 8; Zander 5; Riley 3; and Peter 7 months. Tim supported Erin through the home births of their four youngest children and helped her welcome every life that came into the world.

In 2012, at the Easter Vigil Mass, Tim was confirmed into the Roman Catholic Faith, a faith that he came to love with the help of friends and family. When farming kept him from getting to church with his family, he would find an early morning Mass to attend by himself. He truly enjoyed taking his family to church every week. In 2020, when no one else would, Tim served as a Eucharistic Minister whenever he was asked.
Some of Tim’s favorite past times included hunting, often with his children, and fishing, again with his children and wife. He also planned snowmobiling and elk hunting trips for the men in the family as weather, time, and licenses permitted. Tim has been a member of the Tintah Fire Department for the past 16 ½ years.

Other high points in Tim’s life included a family vacation to South Dakota, golfing with friends and family, and the occasional trips to Lake-of-the-Woods with the Adams seed crew.

The saddest day of Tim’s life was the day his father died. Even then, Tim stayed strong to support his family.

Tim passed away on December 31, 2021, after receiving the last rites and apostolic pardon of the church. His message to everyone in these troubling times would and will always be: Don’t be afraid. Don’t be foolish, and don’t let your fear disguise itself as prudence, but whatever you do, be not afraid.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Larry Kath. He is survived by his wife, Erin and their children, his mother Karen, brother Brian (Amy), in-laws Duane and Marcy Porter, and Nathan (Kim) Porter, nieces and nephews, Ben and Brenna Kath, Nicholas, Kennedy, and Aidan Porter, as well as, many extended family members and all who called him friend.

Firefighter Kath funeral information – Active LODD

VISITATION:
Date: Tuesday Jan 11th 2022, Time 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Wednesday Jan 12th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location: St Boniface Catholic Church, 230 1st ST NW, Lidgerwood, North Dakota
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands All Fire Department Personnel

FUNERAL:
Date: Wednesday Jan 12th 2022
Time: 10:30
Location: St Boniface Catholic Church 230 1st ST NW Lidgerwood North Dakota
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands All Fire Department Personnel

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Firefighter Kath’s family and the celebration of his life at St Boniface Catholic Church, 230 1st ST NW, Lidgerwood, North Dakota.  

There will be a burial and procession at a later date.