Daryl Keiser

Daryl Harlan Keiser, 82, of Gothenburg, died peacefully on Father’s Day, June 17, 2012 at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital.
Daryl was born on October 30, 1929 to Renke and Rosena (Plank) Keiser at the family farm north of Gothenburg.  He attended elementary school at rural school district 92 and graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1948.
Daryl married his high school sweetheart, Donna Ludwig on December 2, 1951 at Christ Lutheran Church in rural Gothenburg.  Following their wedding they traveled to San Francisco from where he shipped out to serve two years in the Korean War.
When Daryl returned from serving in the United States Army, he and Donna moved to the Ludwig family farm and began farming.   He stewarded the land as a gift and calling from God.  He believed that in the farming and ranching he was living out his call to help feed the world. Daryl also believed in teaching good stewardship of the land - he and Donna hosted nearly 30 international students of agriculture and went on numerous mission trips related to farming; to Haiti serving through Water for Life, as well as other countries. He served on many county, state and national agricultural organizations, and received numerous awards for his work; including Outstanding Young Farmer and the Dawson County Cattlemen Hall of Fame.  Daryl was blessed to run the family farm until he could pass it on to his sons.  It was a tremendous joy for him that his four sons continue in agriculture.
Daryl and Donna were the proud parents of five children; four sons and a daughter.  His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life.  He taught them well, and is famous for his “Daryl-isms”.  He was awarded “Father of the Year” in 1976.  He was “Grandpa Keiser” to every child he met.
Daryl was a lifelong member of the church; Christ Lutheran Church one-half mile from his childhood home, and then American Lutheran Church of Gothenburg - witnessing to his faith through his faithfulness, leadership and music.  He passed on great strength of faith to all his family - and felt blessed that his daughter became an ordained pastor.
Daryl was a musician, and sang for weddings, funerals, and as a part of many musical groups. Daryl was proud to continue to serve his country as a member of the Honor Guard. He loved antique tractors, and always had time to take anyone for a ride.  He and Donna traveled extensively, having visited every continent in the world except Antarctica.  They traveled to all 50 states, 47 with their fifth-wheel camper.
Daryl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna of Gothenburg, his children:  Bruce (Pat) Keiser of Colby, Kansas; Brian (Torey) Keiser of Gothenburg; Doug (Vickie) Keiser of Gothenburg; Gloria (Don) Keiser Dovre of Williamsburg, Iowa; and Joe (Carol) Keiser of Gothenburg.  Daryl is survived by fourteen grandchildren: Michael, Nathan, Kelly (Shane), Amy, Katie, Tiffany, Jason, Anders (Jen), Nels, Jurgen, Inga, Emily, Heath and Helene;  sister-in-law Glenda (Bob) Wilson of Gothenburg and brother-in-law Bob (Jan) Ludwig of Lincoln. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Daryl was preceded in death by his parents Renke and Rosena Keiser; his brothers Ed (Gladys) Keiser and Donald (Doris) Keiser, and his sister Verna (Dewey) Keiser Hudson Trimble.
Daryl lived in this life 82 years, 7 months and 18 days.