In Loving Memory
Keith P. Harnden
March 3, 1933 - October 26, 2016

VISITATION
Saturday, October 29, 2016
12:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Grace Baptist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, October 29, 2016
2:00 P.M.
Grace Baptist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Curtis DeFord

ORGANIST
Brenda Fuerstenau

VOCALISTS
Kirk and Denise Haack

MILITARY RITES
V.F.W. Post #2295
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Keith Porter Harnden, son of Milton and Agnes (Drager) Harnden, was born March 3, 1933 in Sherburn, Minnesota. As a young boy Keith and his family moved to Jackson, Minnesota. Keith graduated from Jackson High School in 1951. Following high school, Keith joined the Minnesota National Guard and served during the time of the Korean War. He served in the Minnesota National Guard reserves for 12 years.

Keith married Beverly Saathoff in Jackson, Minnesota on October 17, 1954. They were blessed with three children.

Keith worked at the Jackson Feed Mill and after that took a job managing a feed mill in Appleton, Minnesota. Keith and Bev moved to Iowa where Keith worked in sales for several different feed companies. He later worked for the Soil Conservation Service. Keith managed the Emmetsburg Airport for 20 years prior to retirement. Keith was also a part-time employee of Emmetsburg Ford.

Keith was a flying enthusiast, a pilot for 61 years. Over the years, he owned several airplanes; his favorite was his Aeronica Champ which he thoroughly enjoyed flying and doing aerobatics. Keith's position as Airport Manager was more than a job to him...it was a passion. He kept the Emmetsburg Airport in top condition, mowing the grass runways to perfection. He was known, not only around the state, but the entire country, for having the smoothest and most well groomed grass strips of any airport around. Each year he and Bev made sure the annual Flight Breakfast went off without a hitch, serving as hosts for overnight campers and hundreds of guests.

Keith loved playing golf. During his retirement, he played golf almost every day. His favorite saying was, "I only play golf on the days ending in 'y'". Keith regularly attended morning coffee at Jensvold Motor Company.

Keith attended the University of Minnesota and was a loyal Minnesota Gopher fan, rarely missing a game.

Keith passed away, Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at his home in Emmetsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Agnes Harnden.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly of Emmetsburg; son, Mark and wife, Pam of Emmetsburg; daughters, Kay Soule and husband, Mike of Wyoming, Minnesota, Karla Vernon and husband, Dr. Craig of Altoona; four grandchildren, Matt Harnden and wife, Holly, Justin Harnden and wife, Missy, Jim Soule and wife, Sarah, Amanda Badger and husband, Tony; nine great grandchildren; brothers, Lynn Harnden and wife, Connee and Roy Harnden; brother-in-law Wayne Saathoff and wife, Veryl; along with nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home