Keith Edward Lindstrom

Keith Edward Lindstrom, 98, died peacefully on October 9, 2026, surrounded by people who loved him. After 98 years, 77 years of marriage, 42 years on the railroad, and countless stories, Keith still had plenty to say.

Born September 2, 1928, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Cedric and Mabel Lindstrom, Keith grew up with his older brother, Eugene, and younger sister, Donna. At 13, he moved to Kalo and attended Otho High School, where he reportedly earned two suspensions in three days: one for advancing the detention-room clock and another for pulling the fire alarm at a PTA meeting. His mischievous streak never quite disappeared.

Keith began dating Roberta “Bobbee” Hotek—always his beloved “Roberta”—when he was in tenth grade and she was in ninth. He claimed he proposed on their first date; Bobbee maintained she never heard him. He eventually made himself understood, and they married June 5, 1949.

Already working for the Illinois Central Railroad when drafted, Keith served as a corporal with Seventh Army Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1951 to 1953, including duty as a military police honor guard. He got to ride on motorcycles as an MP until he led the payroll procession the wrong way down a one-way street. Keith said he was selected for his handsome looks; Bobbee credited his six-foot height. She joined him in Europe, where they lived off base, traveled, and made cherished memories.

After his military service, Keith returned to the railroad. He loved the work, told train stories till the very end, and even distributed DVDs of his railroad adventures—then eagerly followed up by asking viewers to identify their favorite part. There was, apparently, a correct answer.

Keith’s proudest accomplishment was raising his three kids, each of whom had a special bond with him. Together they shared a lifetime of memories, while each carried their own treasured stories and moments with their dad.

Keith and Bobbee could have put Dancing with the Stars contestants to shame. Even after moving to Walnut Ridge in their 90s, they danced whenever they could and became known as the resident dancing couple. Keith might have stepped on a few toes in life, but he rarely missed a step with his “Roberta.”

As we all know, you can always tell a Swede—you just can’t tell him much. A proud Swede, Keith was charming, spirited, quick to flare up and just as quick to recover, with a colorful vocabulary and a personality that filled every room. Days before his death he was still riding his senior citizen ATV. The night before, he was sharing stories with his cherished physician, Dr. Eryn McClutchy. At the end, Bobbee, Dawn, Gary, and Walnut Ridge caregivers Paula and Allison were beside him, while family voices and messages reached him from afar.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws; his brother, Gene Lindstrom; sister-in-law Mert Lindstrom-Gunderson; sister Donna Everett; brother-in-law John Everett; brother-in-law Bill; sister-in-law Pauline; and nephew Don Everett.

Also preceding Keith in death—and no doubt happily reunited with him—are Punk, Rags, Mickey, Arrow, K.C., and his very special dog, Oblio. But we’re pretty sure his beloved big ol’ orange tomcat, appropriately named Tom, has already claimed his favorite spot on Keith’s lap.

Left to carry on Keith’s legacy are his wife Roberta (Bobbee); his children Dawn Renee Vetter (Gary), Bekka Kirk Lindstrom, and Jeni Marie Lindstrom; grandchildren Jacilyn Edwards (Matt), Jarek Vetter (Ashley), Kallison Leahy (Johnny), and Kaylor Sauser (Morgan Williams); and great-grandchildren Vetter, Vela Dawn, and Vara Edwards; Nora and Julian Vetter; and William Sauser. Another great-grandchild, baby Leahy, is expected in March. Also carrying on his legacy are his brother-in-law Rajiv Hotek and his wife, Marianne; nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends whose lives were made a little more interesting simply by knowing him. Keith leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, a remarkable collection of stories, a family who adored him, and probably a few people who still haven’t watched their railroad DVDs.

He lived big. He loved deeply. He danced whenever he could. And he kept everyone entertained right up to the final curtain.

Somewhere, we suspect, Keith has already found an audience—and the stories have begun again.

A Celebration of Life honoring Keith’s remarkable 98 years will be held at a later date. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.