A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Dr. Keith A. Geyer, 89, of Alta died Sunday, June 15, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services will take place Friday, June 20, at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Alta. Burial will be in Sixteen Cemetery in rural Thornburg. Visitation will take place Thursday, June 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta.
Keith Arvid Geyer was born June 2, 1936, on a farm near Thornburg, the son of John W. and Margaret (McGimpsey) Geyer.
Keith attended grade school in Thornburg where he graduated from Thornburg High School in 1953. Following graduation, he attended Coe College and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1957. While attending Coe College, Keith was a Cadet Colonel in ROTC.
On Nov. 17, 1956, Keith was united in marriage to Donna Sue Galbraith at United Presbyterian Church in Gibson. Together they were blessed with two children, Cindy Sue and Curtis Keith.
In December 1957, Keith reported to a radar site in Colville, Wash., which was part of an early warning system. He entered the United States Air Force as a 21-year-old, filling three positions of executive officer, administrative officer and personnel officer. He enjoyed deer and bear hunting or fishing in the area near British Columba, Canada. Orders came for Keith to transfer to St. John’s, Newfoundland, which was a search and rescue site. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force with the rank of Captain in 1960.
After three years in the Air Force, Keith returned home and attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a mortuary science degree in 1961, followed by a doctor of dental surgery degree in 1965. Keith returned to Alta and started dental practice at that time.
Keith was a dedicated member of the Alta community, serving as their dentist for 45 years. He was willing to address the tough or complex issues of the community that others avoided. He was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. Keith was a member of United Methodist Church in Alta, where he served as chairman of the administrative board and was also a trustee of the church.
A persistent, optimistic guy who persevered in his endeavors. Keith worked a multitude of jobs to get through college all the way to dental school, selling Spam sandwiches to dorm mates, Christmas trees, China, pots and pans, and shingled roofs. Keith was able to fix almost anything. He loved watching wildlife and caring for his beloved cats and dogs.
Family was very important to Keith and he treasured spending time with them. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years, Donna Sue Geyer of Alta; children: Cindy Sue Geyer of Sioux Falls; Curt (Sam) Geyer of Okoboji; grandchildren: Taylor (Adam) Holton of Okoboji; Troy (Caitlin) Geyer of Brandon, S.D.; Cameron Geyer of Spirit Lake; great-grandchildren: Graysen Marie, Navy Lee and Norah James Holton; extended family and many friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Geyer; two brothers, Kenny Geyer and John Geyer; and two sisters, Harriet Riddle and Elloise Capps.
