Paul Kats

Rock Valley, Iowa: Paul L. Kats went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2013 at Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley at the age of 78. Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley. Visitation will be Monday, May 13, 2013 at First Christian Reformed Church from 5:00 ' 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family in Paul's name and later will be distributed to charities of the family's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Paul L. Kats was born to Henry and Christina (Vander Plas) Kats on August 9, 1934 in Long Island, Kansas. The family moved to Iowa when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Rock Valley Christian School and Western Christian High School. He then enlisted into the Army where he served on the Honor Guard in Washington DC and then was stationed in Korea. Upon returning from the Army, he started farming east of Rock Valley where he farmed his entire life. He married Alice Patricia (Pat) Meendering on November 20, 1957 and they had seven children. Paul was a lifelong member of Rock Valley First Christian Reformed Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School and Catechism teacher. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir. Paul served his community by participating on numerous boards. In his later years, he enjoyed rock collecting and making regular visits to the Commodity Shop. Paul delighted in time with his family, especially when everyone came to his home for Sunday dinners.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Pat; his seven children: Brenda (Dave) Draayer of Sioux Center; Galen (Paula) Kats of Rock Valley; Mike (Lorinda) Kats of Doon; Dave Kats of Rock Valley; Lorna (John) Haverhals of Hudson, SD; Sara (Jeff) Dolan of Corinth, NY; Jeana (Shane) Hawkins of Portland, OR; 24 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; 6 brothers: John (Julianne) Kats of Hull, Ed (Elaine) Kats of Rock Valley; Gerrit (Esther) Kats of San Marcos, CA; Ken (Hendrene) Kats of Rock Valley; Alvin (Evie) Kats of Sheldon; Larry Kats of Rock Valley; 4 sisters: Joanne (Albert) Groeneweg of Rock Valley; Alta (Walt) Groeneweg of Rock Valley; Betty (Arvin) Hoogendoorn) of Rock Valley, and Wanda Siebelink of Grandville, MI; sisters-in-law Gert Meendering of Inwood, IA, Gertrude Statema of Lynden, WA, and Betty Meendering of Ontario, CA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harley Kats; sisters-in-law Sharon Kats, Nelma Kats, and Darlene Kats; brothers-in-law Jake Meendering, Robert Meendering, Elmer Meendering, Lawrence Vander Haak, and Archie Statema and grandson Keith Mulder.