Keith Ray Gustav Grodt, age 86, passed away at Bethel Lutheran Home on October 9, 2023.

Keith was born to Gustav and Norma (Halvorson) Grodt in Spokane, Washington, on January 24, 1937. At a young age, he moved with his parents to the family farm in Mont Township, where he attended the Johnson School, with his mother as his teacher.

He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a 1954 graduate of Williston High School. He worked at Greengard’s Clothing Store during his high school career; he maintained that is where he learned much about colors, matching shirts and ties, which he used in his later life of painting and artwork.

He attended Minot State, NDSU, finally finding his way to the Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois. There he met Julianne Greenquist, a student of nursing. They married on June 10, 1961, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. To this union, two children were born – Karianne and David.

Keith worked as a free-lance commercial artist in Chicago area with companies such as Kroehler Furniture and Sealy Mattress. One memorable day was when his full paper ad ran in the New York Times and the Williston Herald – on the same day. The extended family members treasure the paintings of his that grace their homes.

Keith served in the Army Reserves from 1960-1966, where he trained at bases in California and New York.

Keith was a kind, compassionate man whose sense of humor, we all enjoyed at our family gatherings. He enjoyed reading and watching Western TV movies. He particularly enjoyed driving out to the Grodt farm northwest of Williston.
He spent the last years of his life at Morgan Manor in Williston, then at Green Oaks Senior Facility in Libertyville, Illinois, and finally at Arbor House and Bethel in Williston.

Keith is survived by his son, David and his cousin, Alvina (Strand) Skogen and her husband Gary, her family, as well as the Charlene Strand family. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Karianne, and cousin, Gordon Strand.