Keith Rodney Rath, born on April 1, 1948, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Samuel and Edna (Hoff) Rath, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, in Jamestown, North Dakota after a courageous battle with dementia.

A devoted husband of 52 years to Jan (Thorstenson) Rath, Keith was the proud father of four children: Kamille (Michael) Yost, Nichole (Jeff) Pahl, Amy Ziegler (Chris Impola), and Keith (Lindsay) Rath. Keith was a devoted grandfather to Andrew Yost; Ashley (Ian) Anderson and their children Ariana and Elaina; Kaitlyn Yost; Alyssa Yost; McKenzie Yost; Adam Pahl (fiancée Kaila Gysbers); Joshua Pahl (girlfriend Kennedy Wallace); Makyl (Bryce) Zawatzke and their son Revan; Treyden Ziegler; Taylor Rath; and Noah Rath. He took immense pride in each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Keith attended Valley City State University before dedicating over four decades to teaching. His enthusiasm for education earned him the distinction of being named Outstanding Teacher of the Year twice in Harvey, North Dakota. Keith’s passion for history and North Dakota led him to write and receive a grant that led to the creation of “North Dakota Studies”; a series of books that 4th graders have read for decades throughout the state. Always a champion for the “underdog”, Keith was a true educator. He was also honored with the prestigious Jaycee Senatorship for his outstanding contributions to his community.

Known for his warm sense of humor, Keith had a gift for bringing joy to those around him with his jokes and kind-hearted nature. He is lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law Mike (Renee) Thorstenson; sisters-in-law Roberta Rath, Candace Whitman, Jill Denny, Lyla (Roberto) Gurfunkel; Carla (Terry) Ova; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents Samuel and Edna Rath; his close brother Duane Rath; mother and father-in-law Lyle and Carol Thorstenson; brother-in-law Daniel Ova; great-nephew Jesse Whitman; along with many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Keith’s memory. His legacy of kindness, humor, faith, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Memorial Service – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Eddy Funeral Home with Father Bob Hoekstra officiating.