W. Cole

W. Keith Cole, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the PioneerCare Suites in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was born February 2, 1930, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Louis D. and Laura (Scott) Cole. He grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1948, and attended the Minnesota School of Business. Keith was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1948, and transferred to the Army Reserves a year later. He was discharged in 1956, the same year he attained journeyman lineman status. On July 16, 1955, he married JoAnn “Jo” Brevig at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They made their home in Fergus Falls. Keith worked for Otter Tail Power Company for 41 years as a lineman, retiring in 1992 as Foreman of the Aerial Basket Crew. In his retirement years he was a loving and loyal caregiver to Jo, tending to her disabilities. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, serving as head usher, and as a member of the cemetery committee for many years. He was also a member of the Elks, American Vets, American Legion, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He served as a volunteer at the Food Shelf. Keith enjoyed flower gardening, sharing beautiful bouquets with many, bird watching and feeding, stamp collecting, watching card games at the Elks and with the guys at The Corner. He was an avid sports fan of the Otters and Spartans, and liked watching sports and politics on TV. He was blessed with the “Gift of Gab” and could strike up a conversation with anyone on any topic. He loved to tell stories and reminisce. Preceding him in death were his parents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Survivors include his wife, Jo, of Fergus Falls; his daughters, Kristi (Kendal) Boe of Fergus Falls, and Jodi (Greg) Spoden of Brooklyn Park; three granddaughters who filled his heart with great pride: Kylie Boe, Katie Spoden, and Emily Spoden; a sister, Katherine (Charles) Burke of Burnsville; nieces, nephews, and cousins; great neighbors, caregivers, and friends. Memorials to be shared with Lakeland Hospice, the Fergus Falls 544 Education Foundation, or First Lutheran Church. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, at Pioneer Suites Chapel, 1006 S. Sheridan, Fergus Falls, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, at First Lutheran Church, 402 S. Court Street, Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverends Jennifer Rose, Roger Hanson, and Chaplain Harry Olson Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.