Keith was born June 3, 1932 in Highland Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa to Luther and Julia (Larson) Groth. He attended the Kjome School and graduated from the Decorah High School. On October 19, 1952 he married Rita Kolaas in Calmar. They lived and farmed in Highland Township. Rita passed away November 28, 2011. He was an active life-time member of the Highland Lutheran Church serving in numerous positions throughout his lifetime. Keith's main love was farming. Tending his sheep, cattle, chickens and favorite donkey 'Jenny' brought purpose and enjoyment to his life. Keith cherished the little things the most; from the way the lambs would jump and play in his barnyard to testing someone's grip with his bone-crushing handshake. He could tell stories for as long as you cared to listen and his eyes would wander as if he was living them all over again. This tough old dude will not soon be forgotten.
Keith passed away Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wisconsin at the age of 81.
Keith is survived by four sons Jeff (Judy) of Red Oak, Texas, Dan (Cindy) of Winona, Minnesota, David of Madison, Wisconsin, and Richard (Deb) of Rochester, Minnesota; seven grandchildren Jamie (Elizabeth), Nicholas (Delia), Josiah (Monica), Elias, Ayla, Brandon, and Kyle; four great grandchildren Maya, Lindsey, Victoria, and Inara; a brother Duane (Shirley) of Decorah; and two sisters Norma (Don) Halse of Decorah and Ila Barnes of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita, his parents, and a brother Kenneth.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, February 10, 2014 at the Highland Lutheran Church in rural Decorah with the Reverend Kathy Wicks officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM Sunday, February 9 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
