Gail Dean Kats

Gail Dean Kats was born in Norton, Kansas on July 12,1937. He was the first of his family to be born in a hospital. He grew up in an agricultural family. His family moved between Kansas, Iowa and Colorado. He enjoyed lots of shenanigans with his cousins and friends living in the country. He had a dry sense of humor and a million dollar smile. He graduated from Western Chrisitan High School in Hull, Iowa.

After graduation and one year of college, he enlisted into the Marines. He was proud to serve and he lived out the Marine motto Semper Fi, which means always faithful. He was a man who was faithful to his God, Country, Family and Friends.

Once out of the Marines, Gail's love for all things Agriculture led him to the College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana. It was after this that he enjoyed a long career as an accomplished auctioneer and field man. The auction ring was like a second home to him. He was an auctioneer for several sale barns around Colorado, as well as part owner of K&R Livestock for many years. Additionally, Gail auctioneered at the Denver Stockyards during the Stock Show for a number of years. He served as the State President of Colorado Livestock Market Association from 1969-1971. He also served on the Board of Directors for the National Livestock Market Association. Gail competed in several auctioneering contests. He was Runner-up World Champion in 1971 and 1977 and Reserve World Champion in 1972 and 1973. Besides using his gifts as an auctioneer for his career, Gail also auctioneered for several charity events, auto auctions and real estate auctions. Gail also enjoyed his time as a Real Estate Broker. He would love to go to his office at Phil Foster and Company to work on some deals or just hang out with some of the other guys.

Gail was married to his wife Dori for 54 years. They initially met in California on a blind date that didn't go so well. Several years later, they got reacquainted in Colorado and the rest is history. They had two children, David and Jodi, and began their life as a family of four in southeast Denver. Gail's job brought them to the Eastern plains and they enjoyed living in Brush, Colorado for eight years and then eventually moved back to the Denver area. They enjoyed playing games together. Gail was very involved in their church. Over the years he served as an elder and deacon. He had many friends and enjoyed connecting with them at the Stock Show, getting together with their monthly pinochle crew or inviting people over so he could grill them a nice juicy steak. No one kept their grill as clean as Gail!

He is survived by his wife Dori Kats, son David Kats, daughter Jodi (Dave) Van Stelle, Grandkids Christian Kats, Blake Kats, Abigail Van Stelle and Alex Van Stelle, sister Dolores (Bill) Watkins, brother- in -law Joe Vander Horst and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Margaret Kats and his sister, Vera Vander Horst.