Keith Edmund Estes

Keith E. Estes, age 80, of Watkins died on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins. Family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. Keith Edmund Estes, the son of Bryon and Mildred (Schulenberg) Estes, was born on May 23, 1939, in Salem, NE. He grew up in Richardson County and received his education there. Following school, he worked odd jobs until he joined the US Air Force in March 1957. He served in the Air Force until February 1962. Keith then drove truck and was in the National Guard. On August 19, 1962, he married Julie Wallraff in Verden, NE. Keith worked for the City of Lincoln, NE in the maintenance department. He married Mary Strand. on December 29, 1984, in Falls City, NE. They lived in Falls City for a few years and then moved to Watkins. He worked for Frigidaire - Electrolux in St. Cloud until he retired at the age of 62. He then helped manage the trailer park in Watkins and enjoyed mowing the grass. Keith was a member of the North American Fishing Club. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and going to the Cafe. He is survived by his children Mark (Traci) Estes of Lincoln, NE, Paul Estes of Watkins, Lori (Bryon) Terrell of Dickinson, ND; 12 grand children and 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Shirley (Chuck) Lowery of Winchester, TN and Betty (Henry) Couch of Old Town, FL; sister-in-law Joann Reikofski of Watkins several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary and three brothers: Carl Estes, Gerald Estes and Byron Lee Estes.