Alfred "Keith" Dewan

Alfred Keith Dewan was born to Alfred and Janice (Connelly) Dewan on December 4^th, 1926 in Lawton, ND.   He passed away on January 20, 2017 at Elim Care Center in Fargo, ND at the age of 90 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Known by his middle name, Keith grew up on a farm near Lawton, ND. After high school, Keith enlisted in the Army and served in the Military Police in Texas and Washington during World War II.  After his discharge from the Army, he attended telegraphy school in Omaha, NE  and graduated in 1947. His first job was for the Great Northern Railroad, where he was stationed at the Kindred, ND depot. In 1950, Keith met and married Ethel M. Mahlkow from Davenport, ND. They lived in Fargo, ND for 2 years and in 1952 they moved to Casselton, ND.  Keith continued working for the Great Northern Railroad as a telegrapher at the Interlock Switch Tower just west of the city.  They had three children: Stephen, Denise and Connie.  Keith continued working for the railroad for the next 43 years.  When the railroad closed their facilities in Casselton, he worked in the Dilworth, MN office.  His last assignment was at the Burlington Northern Fargo headquarters office.  He retired from the railroad at age 62. Besides Keith’s ties with the railroad, he was a loyal employee of English Bar, where he worked as bartender for many years. He also served on the advisory committee for the United Savings Credit Union in Fargo, ND for 18 years. His hobby of tree-trimming expanded into a new business serving Casselton’s residents for many years trimming trees and hedges and cleaning up after storms. His only tools of the trade were lineman boot spikes, ropes, his beloved chain saws, and an old Chevy truck. He also helped several area farmers during harvest when he had time. One of Keith's lifelong passions was bowling, and he participated in many leagues and tournaments. He won a multitude of trophies, including one at the National Senior Games. He also enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, woodworking, and RVing to Oregon to visit relatives. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 66 Years, Ethel, and his 3 children, Stephen (Audrey) Dewan of Anchorage, AK, Denise (Gary) Luther of Casselton, ND, and Connie Krueger of Morriston, FL. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren: Justin Dewan, Bennett Dewan, Jason (Corinne) Luther (Mason and Myla), Jeremy Luther (James), Erin (Nathan) Bode (Harley, Charlotte, Harrison and Tomlin), and Jesse (Ryan) Pierce (Landyn and Kendall).  Also surviving Keith are his sister Mary (Ivan) McCoy and brother Paul (Beth) Dewan of Ontario, Canada. Keith is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Dewan, and his sister Noreen Martin. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. Burial will take place at the Davenport Cemetery.