Keith Lerum (Plainview)

Services for Keith Lerum, age 86 of Plainview will be 11am Saturday 1/3/15 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Plainview, with Military Rites by Plainview Am.Leion Post 148. Visitation 4-7pm Friday at the Church. Died Dec. 29, 2014 Lakeside Hospital in Omaha

Keith Edward Lerum was born on May 18th, 1928 to Edward and Rose (Baumann) Lerum in Plainview, NE. He attended Plainview Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1946.

Following graduation, he worked on the family farm west of Plainview and at the Plainview Sale Barn. He was drafted into the Army in April 1951 attending Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he trained in Artillery Survey.

Keith was married to Donna Hoffart on August 23rd, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Valley. To this union, two daughters, Janae and Anisa, were born
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In early September, 1951 Keith headed to Korea where he was assigned to A Battery, 58th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division. By the time he had served 10 months, he was a Platoon Sergeant in the Firing Battery. Following his tour in Korea, he served as a Barrack Sergeant at Fort Carson, Colorado, completing his time served in January, 1953. In March, 2014 Keith travelled to Washington, DC as part of the Korean Honor Flight.

He then returned to Plainview where he took over the Hoffart family farm in Eden Valley. He milked cows, selling milk to the AMPI where he served on the board. He sold seed corn for Cargill Seeds many years and then later for Fontenelle Seeds.

Keith was a long time member of Immanuel/Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he was baptized on September 16th, 1953 and confirmed on September 20th, 1953. He was a member of the church council, serving on the building committee. He also was a long time Sunday school teacher and Luther League Sponsor.

Keith is a member of the local American Legion post and the Osmond VFW.

He was a very proud “Pa” to his four grandsons and two granddaughters. He enjoyed attending many soccer and basketball games, concerts, band shows, and all of their many activities. He taught them all how to tie their shoes, ride their bikes, and drive. He instilled in them all a great appreciation of farming, respect for their country and a love of life. They are his pride and joy.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, and sister in law Joylee Lerum.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; daughters and their spouses, Janae & Randy Wilson of Duluth, GA and Anisa & Eric Hoie of Omaha; grandsons Nicholas & wife Kate Wilson of Denver, CO, Nathan Wilson of Des Moines, IA, Bryan Hoie and Garrett Hoie; granddaughters Chelsea Hoie and Aidan Hoie all of Omaha; brothers Lyle & wife Joyce of Vista, CA, Glen & wife Joan of Woodstock, IL, Leon of Creighton; sister Anne & husband Jack Weber of Pierce; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.