Douglas Gordon Keith

On July 9, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children, Douglas Gordon Keith took his last breath and was greeted by his heavenly father.  Doug was released from illness and pain that had plagued him for quite some time.  

Doug was born on December 10, 1944, to Maxwell and Ruby Keith in San Diego, California, where Maxwell had been stationed during his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.  As an infant, Douglas and his family moved to Worthington, Minnesota, where Douglas graduated from high school in 1963.  He was baptized and raised in the Methodist church in Worthington.  He served on many church boards and men’s choir over the years.  He was recently a member of the First Reformed church in Edgerton, MN.  Doug was athletic and had a tremendous talent for playing the game of baseball as a pitcher, outfielder and catcher.   Doug remains the Worthington High School record holder of the 60-yard dash.  While in high school, Doug produced a tuba-solo record which peaked with four being sold. 

The Vietnam War was the catalyst for Doug enlisting in the Air Force in 1965, where he served until 1971, being stationed in Texas, Virginia and two years in Okinawa.  Upon being honorably discharged, Doug found employment in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Jeanie Heidinger.  Douglas and Jeanie were married in Mitchell, SD, on June 4, 1971, and made their home in Worthington, MN.  
Doug earned college degrees from Worthington Community College and Mankato State College.   While in Mankato, Douglas was employed as a cross-country charter bus driver.  They later purchased a small farm north of Hutchinson, MN and Doug made his living owning and operating semi-trucks and a charter bus.  From Hutchinson, Doug and his family relocated to the big city of Florence, MN, where he served the community as Mayor for several consecutive terms.  Doug was employed by Tyler Bus Service and Schak Trucking.  

In retirement Doug and Jeanie moved to Edgerton to be near their children and grandchildren.  Doug began a tree trimming business during retirement and took up being a fixture at all sporting events his grandchildren were involved in.  He was often vocal and would engage in personal conversations with umpires and referees.  

Doug enjoyed everything his grandchildren were involved with.  Doug had a love for music and played the guitar by ear and found records to buy at every thrift store he entered.  He and his siblings would chase roosters every fall and would all suffer from charley horses during the evening, and would have to consume hamburgers due to their shooting skills. Doug was also an amateur electrician and semi-pro carpenter.  He was a collector of… Everything!  His faith was a significant part of his life, Doug served his church as an elder and part of the choir.

Doug is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Jean Ann of Edgerton; two children, Dave (Angie) of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Karie (Terry) Nelson, Edgerton; seven grandchildren, Breanna (Luke) Drooger, Luverne, MN;  Abigail Keith, Brookings, SD; Jenny (Mason Sluis) Nelson, Luverne; Madie (Brennen Hughes) Nelson, Paullina, IA; Emma Keith, Dell Rapids, SD; Kinsie Nelson, Edgerton; Beau Keith, Dell Rapids, SD; four sibilngs, Sheldon (Donna) Naperville, IL; Steven (Blanche) Plymouth, MN; Carolyn Baker (David) Eagle Lake, MN; Aunt Patricia Keith Talen (Jim) Rochester, MN.    Douglas was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathleen Keith.
 

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