Keith Inwards

Keith Inwards, age 83, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed into glory and the presence of Jesus on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Emmanuel Nursing Home with his wife by his side after having a heart attack on Sunday. Keith and Jeanette were married 65 years in July.

Keith Thomas Inwards was born on January 28, 1937 to Harry Lee and Alma Elizabeth (Reed) Inwards in Parkers Prairie, MN. Keith valued his family and growing up on a farm, the third of four children. He graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Muriel Peterson, on July 23, 1955. While earning his bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State Teachers College (now MSU Moorhead), Keith held several jobs including work as a policeman. He and his young family moved to Detroit Lakes, MN when a position as a State Farm agent opened for him there in 1963. He served local families in the community for over 55 years until 2019 when he retired from the State Farm office located in the historic building on the corner of Washington Avenue and Highway 10.

While building a successful insurance business, Keith was also building a home and a family. In 1976 Keith designed and built a beautiful home using his own timber and incorporating part of his childhood home. Altogether he and Jeanette raised nine children, five of them adopted. Keith provided a foundation of faith for his family and a welcoming heart for both family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, MN and enjoyed singing with the choir. Keith loved reading historical novels, working outside, eating ice cream, and entertaining his grandchildren with his endearing sense of humor.

Keith is preceded in Heaven by his parents, Harry and Alma Inwards, brother Richard Gene Inwards of Parkers Prairie, MN, and son Michael Inwards of Vergas, MN. He is survived by his wife Jeanette and Michael’s wife Phyllis Inwards of Detroit Lakes, MN; nine children: Curtis (Kathy) Inwards of Fargo, ND, Bruce (Laura) Inwards of Kansas City, MO, Doug (Colleen) Inwards of St. Paul, MN, Kathy Livingood of Chanhassen, MN, Maria (Milt) Wilson of Detroit Lakes, MN, Matthew Inwards of Detroit Lakes, MN, Robert (Karen) Inwards of Waltham, MN, Christopher Inwards of St. Paul, MN, and Andy (Melody) Lam of High Wykham, England; 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings Margaret Carlson of Parkers Prairie, MN, Jim (Harriet) Inwards of Cottage Grove, MN, Gene’s wife Mary Inwards of Parkers Prairie, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

May God bless the memory of Keith Inwards and the legacy of faith and love he leaves to his family and those who knew and loved him.

A memorial will be planned at a later date. Online condolences and memories of Keith may be shared at fureyfh.com.