Dennis Harris Katsma

Dennis Harris Katsma, age 72 of Randolph, went to his heavenly home on Monday, March 7, 2016 at his home surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.

Dennis was born on August 23, 1943 in Beaver Dam, WI, a son of Clarence and Alice (Swaagman) Katsma. He attended Randolph Christian School and Randolph High School. On June 28, 1963 he was united in marriage to Arlene Hoffman at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church. Dennis farmed all of his life and drove cement truck for various companies for 40+ years. His children attended Randolph Christian School and Central Wisconsin Christian High School and he served on those school boards. Dennis was a lifelong active member of First Randolph Christian Reformed Church as well as an elder and a deacon. He enjoyed cutting fire wood, camping, woodworking and coffee. Dennis was well known for his pockets full of peppermints.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Arlene; three children, Lisa (Charlie) Beetstra of California, Marcia Rataczak of Randolph and James (Paula) Katsma of Randolph; 12 grandchildren, Ariel Beetstra, Hayley Beetstra, Gerritt Beetstra, Shayla (Zach) Thompson, Jiles (Lindsey) Herpel, Keesha Herpel, Jacob Rataczak, Tessa Rataczak, Mariah (Charlie) Ashley, Shania Katsma, Abigail Katsma and Nicholas Katsma; 5 great grandchildren, Kendrick Thompson, Camille Thompson, Cordelia Thompson, Karter Meredith and Rowen Herpel; a sister, Elaine (John) Schultz; a brother, Daryl (Brenda) Katsma; a sister-in-law, Elly (Ken) Vander Werff; a brother-in-law, Jake Hoffman; close friend, Frank (Ann) DeYoung; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Jake (Margie) Hoffman.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church, N8876 East Friesland Road, Randolph, with Rev. Ken Prol officiating. Burial to follow at Friesland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at church and on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been directed to Randolph Christian School.