Roland Keith

KEITH

Posted By: Marthann (email)
Date: 11/19/2007 at 12:57:32

MEEVES, ROLAND KEITH
Denison Bulletin/Review
11/15/2007

Roland Keith, son of John E. and Goldie C. M. (Stammer) Meeves, was born December 9, 1935, in Manning, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm just north of Aspinwall and attended Aspinwall School through the eighth grade. He then attended Manning High School, graduating with the Class of 1953. He farmed with his father after graduation. During these years, Roland was a member of the National Guard of Iowa.

On December 10, 1960, Roland was united in marriage with Laurene Carol Claussen of Schleswig. They farmed four miles north of Aspinwall until 1975 when they moved to the family farm after Roland's parents moved to Manning. Roland and Laurene were the parents of five children. The family enjoyed riding horses and belonged to three different saddle clubs. Many happy hours were spent on trail rides, at horse shows and on camp outs.

Roland was an active member of the Crawford County Pork Producers, taking part in many promotions and holding different offices. He served on the Crawford County fair board for twelve years. From 1988 through 2000, Roland was very involved with stock car racing in both Denison and Harlan, and at times in Alta. He built and operated a "speed board" which displayed the lap and speed of the lead car for fans and drivers. He was known as "Radar" on the racing circuit.

Roland worked at Plastico Ltd. in Manning while farming in the early 1990s. In 1993, due to health problems, he left Plastico and gave up farming and started working at the Denison branch of Mauer Welding and Supply. He also worked part time at the Aspinwall Co-op. At this time he also started a woodworking hobby that expanded through the years. He specialized in doing intricate scroll saw pictures. He and Laurene participated in many craft shows over the last years, demonstrating scroll sawing.

Roland was diagnosed with cancer early in 2007 and despite surgery and other treatment his health declined. With the help of Crawford County Hospice and his family, he was able to remain at home as he became weaker and died there on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Preceding Roland in death are his parents and twin siblings Merlin Dean and Joan Beth in infancy in 1934.

He is survived by his wife Laurene Meeves of Aspinwall; five children: Bruce Meeves and wife Patty of Virginia Beach, VA; Keith Meeves and special friend Melanie Elter of Mandan, ND; Rhonda and her husband John Sandison of East Harwich, MA; Edward Meeves of Norfolk, VA and Steven Meeves and wife Anita in Hockley, TX; eight grandchildren: Amber Meeves and Taylor Jones; Madison Meeves and Kayla Elter; James and Skyeler Sandison; and Tyler, Riley and Bailey Meeves; sister Myra Wittrock of Manning; brother-in-law Ronald Claussen and wife Marilyn of Spirit Lake; other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be made to Crawford County Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Ohde Funeral Home, Manning, Iowa in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 10:30 a.m. Ohde Funeral Home, Manning, Iowa.Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa. Music "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Abide With Me". Congregation "Beyond The Sunset", "On Eagles Wings Or Softly And Tenderly", Rubie Kastner, vocalist, Carolyn Kerkhoff, organist. Interment Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa. Casket Bearers; Ron Willenborg, Steve Willenborg, Alan Lorenzen, Allen Ehlers, Larry Meeves, Byron Meeves.