Everett Keith Austin, age 85, of Warba, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at his home.

Keith was born July 14, 1939, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Everett and Berniece (Gould) Austin. He attended Warba schools through 8th grade.  Growing up Keith was involved in Boy Scouts and 4H.  Keith attended Grand Rapids High School where he was active in FFA.  During his senior year he was presented with the FFA Outstanding Member Award. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts degree from Itasca Junior College in Grand Rapids, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in business and economics from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After college he returned home to assist his mother in caring for his dad who was fighting bone cancer. Keith took over the contract school bus operation as well as caring for the cattle. On February 3, 1968, he was united in marriage to Nancy Fixmer at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.

It was in his early years when Keith developed his love for Black Angus Cattle.  In 1951 he borrowed $100.00 from Grand Rapids State Bank to purchase his first registered heifer. Keith had cattle until age 80.  His daughter Liz carries on the tradition with her own herd of Black Angus. In addition to his cattle and driving bus, Keith owned and operated Pheasants Plus Sporting Clays and Hunting Preserve along with his daughter Amy Jo.

From his interest in driving bus, Keith became involved in School Bus Roadeos which are bus driving contests, and he quickly developed into "the only" 6-time Minnesota State Champion. Keith also drove the anchor leg on the Team Event for the Champion Team in 1999.  In addition, he drove in many national contests from Anchorage, Alaska to Charleston, South Carolina, and Monterey, California to Boston, Massachusetts and many points in between.

Keith was an active member of many organizations in Itasca County.  He served as Sago Township Treasurer for 25 years and served one three-year term as Supervisor.  For 35 years he was a member of the Board of Directors of Itasca Mutual Insurance Company with 30 years as secretary. Keith helped set up the first computer system for the company and was responsible for investing and managing the surplus funds.  He also served 20 years and was past president on the Farm Service Board and was a life member of the Itasca Gun Club and Endowment member of the NRA. He was a faithful member of the Warba Presbyterian Church, and when that closed, he and Nancy joined the Bethel Lutheran Church in Warba. Finally, Keith was very proud that he had lived in the same house his entire life, and honored to have been designated a Century Farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Audrey; grand babies Emily and Abigail

Keith is survived by his wife Nancy of over 56 years; daughters Elizabeth (Robert) Lignell, Amy Jo Slettom; grandchildren Wyatt, Aden, and Isaac Lignell, Katelyn and Hannah Slettom.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Warba, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be in the Warba-Feeley Cemetery at a later time. Memorials in Keith's memory are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Itasca County Historical Society.