Keith (Owen) Spies

Keith (Owen) Spies, 89, Fargo passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Essentia Health, Fargo. Keith was born August 3, 1930 in Ruthven, Iowa to Otto and Mabel (Anderson) Spies. He received his GED while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean Conflict as a Gunner on a B-29 Bomber. He was honorably discharged on October 13, 1953. He returned to Mayville, North Dakota where he graduated from Mayville State University with a degree in English Literature. He taught High School English in Durant, Michigan and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received his Master’s of American Literature from NDSU before teaching at Valley City State University. He moved back to Mayville, North Dakota and built the Mayville Pizza Shop which is still run by his daughter Mary today. He had various other business endeavors and was a creative entrepreneur. He married Jewel Felton on July 5, 1978 in Crookston, Minnesota. He had his private pilot license and enjoyed hunting, fishing, building and flying RC airplanes. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by many. Keith is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jewel, Fargo; children, Michelle (Mike) DeFoe, Devils Lake, ND, Joan (Tim) Kobb, Hartland, WI, Marce’ (Paul) Johnson, Buffalo, MN, Kari (Brad) Heppner, Crookston, MN, Mary (Tom) Stocking, Mayville, ND, Owen Keith II (Darla) Spies, Rapid City, SD, Kent Spies, Ft. Collins, CO, Kevin (Bonnie) Spies, Fargo, ND; 17 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Betty) Spies, Ormond Beach, FL, Frederick (Agnes) Spies, St. Petersburg, FL; sister, Lois (James) Petersen, Mekinock, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents. Prayer Service: 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M.