Community Spotlight: Munith farmer Dean Katz lives life of family and faith

Dean Katz says the greatest moment of his life came in 1960, when he married the girl around the corner — his sister’s best friend Marilyn (Lytle).

by Cindy Lance

“And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God made a farmer.”

These words of Paul Harvey, delivered in a speech to the FFA in November 1978 in Kansas City, Mo., aptly describe lifelong Munith resident Dean Katz.

Dean has spent his life farming the fields and caring for his family, always with a great faith and trust in God.

Dean was born May 15, 1934, in Stockbridge Hospital to Eldon and Hazel Katz. He was followed a few years later by a sister, Doris.

When Dean was 6, his family moved to the farm where he resides today. As a young man, he displayed a great work ethic and determination. Not only did he work on the family farm, but he also worked the Harr farm on shares.

In addition to his farming responsibilities, Dean showed cattle in 4-H, and played four years of football in high school.

Apparently, there was a time in high school when Dean found himself in a little trouble. He felt that he knew more than his agriculture teacher and often voiced his opinion.

This led to many talks with “Coach,” Superintendent Dick Howlett. Dean fondly recalled Howlett’s ability to leave a person feeling utterly chastised with a few well-chosen words. But when the talk was over, “you were a better person because of it.”

When Dean was 19, his father underwent back surgery, and passed away from complications. Dean called it the most difficult time in his life. His sister was just 14, and his mother had not worked outside of the home. The responsibility of his family’s welfare fell onto his shoulders.

But Dean said the greatest moment of his life came in 1960 when he married the girl around the corner — his sister’s best friend Marilyn (Lytle).

They have a daughter, Debbie (Feeney) and son, Mike. The family grew to include grandchildren Courtney Katz, Matt Katz, Jeff Katz, Richard Hitchcock, Jordan Hitchcock, Ryan Hitchcock and 11 great-grandchildren.

Family is everything to Dean and Marilyn. Together they created a very successful farming business of eight farms and 1,400 acres, 1,100 of which are tillable.

Dean credits the family’s success to Marilyn and her thrifty ways. She worked at Farmers State Bank for 45 years. Dean was member of the FSB board for 22 years. In 2008, they transitioned away from dairy and focused on crops and beef cattle. Mike and grandson, Matt, work the operation.

Through it all, Dean and Marilyn have faced their share of difficulties, and one particular moment stands out. One night, the cows got out and he jumped on their favorite horse to round them up. But Dean had forgotten that he left a tiller out in the field. He and his horse ran into it. Unfortunately, the horse was severely injured and had to be put down. He still blames himself for the oversight and the loss of a family favorite.

God’s influence throughout his life is very evident, Dean believes. When times were tight financially, he said, God always provided. They would tithe more, and God would give back.

On Sundays, Dean turns from a caretaker of the fields to caring for his church family. He can be found at church at 9:30 a.m., and you can stop by and say hi to him during greeting time.

He is someone that the younger people in the Munith church look up to and admire. His unshaking faith and positive approach to life serve as a guide for many.