Don Keith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

OBITUARY Don Royden Keith was born February 20, 1923 in Benton, Iowa to Chester R. Keith and Neva (Ketch). The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he was raised and graduated from North Des Moines High School. Don was the second of ten children. After high school graduation in 1941, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country during World War II and was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands. In 1941 he met the love of his life, Phyllis J. Speck and they were united in marriage on February 20, 1943, and this anniversary date was also both of their birthdays. Don was owner and President/Manager of an offset printing business, Mussetter M&L Co., Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa from 1956 until his retirement in 1980. Don was also a member of Hyperion Golf Club where he enjoyed many years of golfing with Phyllis and his golfing friends. Don was also an avid bicyclist and was one of the first riders of the Register's Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) sponsored by the Des Moines Register and Tribune. Don and his friends later formed their own biking group called the Pugsley Invitational. The Pugsley riders trekked 500-mile rides each June on Fathers' day week across Midwestern states including Arkansas, Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. In 2001 Don and Phyllis decided to sell their home in Des Moines and they moved to Alexandria, Minnesota and resided at Arabella Manor. Don continued to bike and hike daily up until the very end. He was a man of strength and honor and will be missed and remembered for his kind and loving ways. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Don R. Keith passed away on July 17,2010. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, children Don R. Keith Jr. (Mary Alyce) and Shelly Nelson (Jim). Don had six grandchildren: Ryan Keith (Jennifer), Kathy Stearns (Jeff), Jim Nelson Jr., Chelsea Seaburg (Nick), Erika Nelson, and Derek Nelson. He also had four great-grandchildren: Lauren Keith, Quinn Stearns, Canon Stearns, and Ewan Keith. Don is also survived by two sisters. Mary Gipe of Mingo, IA and JoAnn Van Trees of Johnston, IA. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Greg Billberg officiating. Chelsea Seaburg was the soloist, Kim Byrne was the pianist, and Erika Nelson gave a eulogy. Honorary Urn Bearers were Don?s grandchildren: Ryan Keith, Katherine Stearns, James Nelson II, Chelsea Seaburg, Erika Nelson, and Derek Nelson. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home of Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net