Obituary: Keith Rost

Keith Rost

Jamestown, N.D.

Keith Eldore Rost, 77, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at his home in Jamestown, N.D., surrounded by family.

Keith's visitation was held Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. with family present from 1-2 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford. A funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Grandfield Lutheran Church, rural Sheyenne, N.D. with his burial following at Grandfield Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Halvorson officiated the service with special music by organist, Mary Ellen Rue. Congregational hymns were "Standing on the Promises," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name #328" and "Crown Him With Many Crowns #170." Recorded music was played by Keith's son, Tyson. "Silent Night" was sung by Keith's granddaughter, Sophia. Pallbearers were Mike Rost, Randy Rost, Robin Rost, Eric Van Leeuwe, Greg Seidel, Larry Lura, Mike Balvitsch and Gary Westby. Military honors by American Legion, Fessenden, N.D. and North Dakota Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Keith was born on September 22, 1946, in New Rockford, N.D. to Eldore and June (Severson) Rost of Cathay, N.D. He attended grade school at Germantown Country School and graduated from Cathay High School in 1964. He graduated from NDSU in 1968 with a BS in German, later enlisting with the US Navy and serving aboard the USS Albacore from 1969 to 1972. After his honorable discharge, he went back to NDSU to obtain his pharmacy degree and was employed by the Public Health Service IHS in Fort Totten for many years as a staff pharmacist and later did contracting there. He also worked as a pharmacist in Harvey, New Rockford, Carrington and Fort Yates, and farmed his parents' land.

On May 27, 1973, Keith was united in marriage to Janice Myhre of rural Sheyenne at Grandfield Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children: Heather, Sonja, Ethan and Tyson.

Keith loved the farm. He enjoyed working the land, planting trees, and tinkering with his tractors. He also loved to socialize with his friends – going out to breakfast, meeting at the Bremen bar, fellowship over coffee after church, or just dropping by for a visit. He also had a passion for reading and listening to music.

Keith is survived by his wife, Janice, of 50 years; daughters, Heather (Ashley) Rost of Fargo, N.D., and Sonja (Eric) Van Leeuwe of Marshall, Minn.; sons, Ethan of Carrington, N.D., and Tyson of Cathay, N.D.; four grandchildren, Sophia and Lexi Van Leeuwe, and Hudson and Bodhi Rost; and brothers, Michael (Pam) Rost of Harvey, N.D., Randy (Carla) Rost of Rolette, N.D., and Robin Rost of Cathay, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and two grandchildren, Madison and Sheridyn Van Leeuwe.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford and Carrington, N.D.