Keith, Lester A 1847-1921

KEITH, CROOK, FRANTZ, BEYL, CROWLEY

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 5/5/2016 at 08:23:13

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Jan 28, 1921 - L.A. Keith, who for 41 years was a resident of this community, passed peacefully to his reward on Friday morning of last week, Jan 21, at the age of 73 years. He had been ailing for many years and for the past 6 months had been confined to his bed.

The funeral was held from the Baptist church in this city on Sunday afternoon and interment was in the local cemetery. While it was known that Mr Keith had been ailing for so long and that he was likely to go at any time, his death was a shock.

Lester A Keith was born in Trenton, Dodge county, Wisconsin Dec 29, 1847 and lived in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, most of the time until he was 14 years of age. His mother died when he was 12 his father has passed May 28, 1851, when Lester was only 4 years of age. He was left an orphan, therefore, at the age of 12.

At this time he was taken to Rockdell near Rochester, MN by an uncle where he graduated from high school. Later he completed his education in Mankato and became instructor in penmanship.

After this he spent a short time at Ironton, WI when he married Miss Sarah A Crook. From Ironton Mr and Mrs Keith moved to Rock Falls, IA in which place they spent about 5 years before settling near Storm Lake, their abiding place for about 41 years.

Mr Keith has been engaged in farming near Storm Lake during practically the entire residence here. He has been a very hard working man. For the last 6 years Mr Keith has been failing in health. Two years ago he underwent an operation in the hope of recovering his health but while this gave some temporary relief, his strength has gradually decreased. For the past 6 months he has been confined to his bed, cared for by his faithful loving wife with the assistance of the children.

During the long and severe suffering he manifested a great deal of patience and was ready to go when the call came. Mr Keith passed peacefully to his heavenly home Friday morning Jan 21 at 8:30 being 73 years, and 22 days of age.

Louis F Keith, the oldest boy, died Dec 25, 1903.

The other children survive and are as follows: Mrs Katherine Frantz of Storm Lake; Mrs Blanche H Beyl of Tulsa, OK; P.R. Keith of Watertown, SD; A.J. Keith of Oklahoma City; and Mrs Marjory Crowley of Parkdale, OR.

The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon in the Baptist church. The interment took place in Storm Lake cemetery.