Keith Skow

Keith Lee Skow, 89, of rural Byron passed away March 11, 2018, of natural causes in Rochester. He was born March 29, 1928, to Marjorie Rowena Lansing and Kenneth Lockie Pearce in Des Moines, Iowa. He was adopted by Alan Julius Skow upon his marriage to Marjorie in 1932. Known to family members as "Babe," he was raised with three younger siblings on farms in Humboldt County, Iowa.

After graduating from Rutland High School in 1946, Keith enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed on Guam. While there, he traveled to Occupied Japan, capturing intriguing images of daily life on film. This experience sparked a love of travel and an avid interest in the history of WWII.

On Sept. 17, 1950, Keith married Roberta Maxine Naeve of Bradgate, Iowa, embarking on 65 years of mutual respect, love and support. They resided first in El Paso, Texas, where he served during the Korean War; returning to farming in Humboldt County in 1952.

The couple moved to Minnesota in 1956, purchasing a farm south of Byron where they raised their two children. In addition to farming, Keith drove bus for the Byron School District in the 1950s and worked for Crenlo during winters in the 1960s. He was a capable mechanic and carpenter; always fixing or improving something on the farm, even after retirement.

Keith was soft-spoken and even-tempered, caring and thoughtful. He told quirky family stories with humor, charm, a gleam in his eye and an endearing chuckle. Although he had difficulty expressing affection verbally, his compassion and love for family and friends was nevertheless apparent to all.

Mr. Skow is survived by son, K. Mark Skow of Byron and daughter, Sally Skow McKenny of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Matthew Alan Skow of Scottsdale, Ariz., Adam Keith Solumsmo, Adrian Solumsmo, and Catherine Marie Solumsmo, all of Norway; great-grandsons, Jude and Cruz Skow; and sisters, Julieann and Diane. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Roberta; and brother, Bruce.

As was his wish, Keith remained at home on the farm that he loved, cared for by his son, Mark. A private memorial service is planned for a later date. He will be greatly missed by a family who loved him dearly.