Keith L. Friesth

Keith L. Friesth, 81, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 4th at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Following services military rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and the US Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife of more than 56 years Doris of Fort Dodge, daughter Carolyn (Dave) Milburn of Fort Dodge, son Kevin (Terri) Friesth of Fort Dodge, daughter Chris Friesth of Fort Dodge, Cherie (Doug Zilm) Friesth of Coralville, 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Helen (Hustad) Friesth, grandson Casey Friesth, great grandson Vincent "Vinny" Bartruff, brothers Carroll and Darrell Friesth, and sister Merna Balke. Keith Lee Friesth was born on June 4, 1941, in Fort Dodge. The family lived in Badger and Keith attended schools in Eagle Grove. He graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1959. Keith then attended college in Eagle Grove. For several years he served in the U.S. National Guard where he was a helicopter and turbine mechanic. On July 1, 1966, he was united in marriage to Doris Davis and the couple established their home just north of Fort Dodge. Keith was proud of his home based shop for wood or metals as a jack of all trades. He built their house by himself and when they needed more room he would add on to it. He had a massive vegetable garden and flowers he grew especially for Doris. Keith had a knack for airplanes, restoring a Piper Cub Airliner and building a complete glider from the ground up by himself. He was an accomplished welder, machine operator, electrician, and woodworker. For over 30 years he worked at U.S.G. as an electrician. He also was an avid long time bowler. Keith would do anything for his family and friends. He was a kind, gentle, compassionate and thoughtful person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Funeral Fri, Feb 3, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Funeral Sat, Feb 4, 2023 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm St. Olaf Lutheran Church