Keith Price

Keith “Todd” Duane Price, 87, peacefully departed this world on Friday, January 22, 2021. He was in the loving company of family in the comfort of his own room in Des Moines, Iowa.

Keith was born to William and Jane (Jensen) Price in McVille, North Dakota. The tenth of thirteen siblings, he spent his formative years in International Falls, MN, where he graduated from Falls High in 1951. Keith attended Bemidji State University before joining the Air Force during the Korean War.

After serving four years and achieving the rank of Staff Sargent as a radar tech, he returned to Bemidji State University and completed his degree in 1959. During his time there, he quarterbacked his teams to two conference co-championships, later earning an induction into their Hall of Fame. He also had the joy of being in the backfield with his younger brother, Tony, during those years. He later earned his Masters of Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1969, continuing his passion and respect for education.

Keith was a beloved art teacher and school counselor. When he and his family moved from Burlington, Wisconsin to Altoona, Iowa and Keith transitioned to real estate in 1977, he remained a teacher at heart. With patience, insight and humor, he helped his agents learn to overcome stress and successfully deal with complex situations. After 25+ years as a broker managing offices in Pleasant Hill, Altoona, and Ankeny; Keith returned to the classroom as a sub, sharing his teaching (and coin trick) skills with the students of Southeast Polk High School.

Keith had a full laugh, a booming voice and a contagious smile. He was a gifted artist, talented athlete (even a scratch golfer for some time), sage advisor, trivia master, card shark, astute pony handicapper, generous teacher, coach and chauffeur. He loved to sing oldies and waltz his beloved wife, Connie, around their kitchen, and was the best at comforting those who needed it.

In his early eighties, cancer treatments left him with medically-induced dementia and other irreversible side effects. Keith’s resilience kept him going for another four years, enabling him to be bedside holding his wife’s hand when she passed in 2018. Keith joins countless dear family members and loved ones in his passing.

Keith is survived by his children from two marriages: daughters, Julie (Bob) Jones, Jennifer (Chip) Albright, and Erica (Robert) Goltra; sons, “Tiger” Bill Price and Michael (Cyndi) Price; siblings, Gene, Bill, Spencer and Lois; grandchildren, Brandon, David, Danielle, Samantha, Amanda, Matthew, Lilly, Annabel, Elle and Ember; and many wonderful great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their expert and compassionate care during the last six months of Keith’s life.

In loving memory of Keith, contributions may be directed to The American Brain Foundation (americanbrainfoundation.org).

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