Keith Van Meeteren, 71, Spirit Lake

Visitation and fellowship in memory of Keith W. Van Meeteren were held Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel in Sanborn. Honorary pallbearers were Danny Beek, Michael Murphy, Lance Sorensen, Brennan Raveling and Ben Van Beek. Interment was in Baker Township Cemetery at Melvin. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Keith William Van Meeteren, only son of William “Bill” and Esther (Roos) Van Meeteren, was born Jan. 1, 1953, in Sheldon. A graduate of Melvin High School, Keith began his career working at the Sanborn-Melvin Elevator, where he was employed from 1971 to 1980.

Keith was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Kaiser on June 4, 1976, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. They lived in Melvin until moving to their farm west of Sanborn in 1980. There they built a life together and raised their son, Karson. Keith was a devoted husband and father, and his greatest joy came from the time spent with his family.

Keith had an incredibly kind heart. He was always willing to lend a hand or share a smile. His warmth and compassion were felt by all who knew him. After the passing of his beloved Mary Beth on May 10, 2016, Keith continued to be a strong and loving presence in his family’s life. He spent as much time as possible with his two grandsons, watching them grow and making treasured memories together. He also enjoyed fishing, riding his bicycle and cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams.

Keith passed away peacefully at his home in Spirit Lake on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beth; his parents, William “Bill” and Esther Van Meeteren; his parents-in-law, Phil and Mary Louise “Dolly” Kaiser; and his nephew, Scott Beek.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Karson and Amy (Danner) Van Meeteren; his cherished grandsons: Owen and Cooper Van Meeteren, and Weston and Jordan Danner; his sister, Darla Beek and her husband, Danny Beek, along with their daughter, Amy Beek. He will be missed by his in-laws, Kris and Lance Sorensen and Kathy and Dennis Noble; and his special companion, Joan Rozema.