Keith Messersmith, 85, of Farnam, Nebraska, died December 25, 2018 in Cambridge, NE.

Keith was born June 20, 1933 to Herbert & Zella (Adkisson) Messersmith. The family lived off the land and ate a lot of wildlife to get them through the tough times. The kids walked to school about a mile and a half from the house. If the weather was really bad, Dad would come and pick them up with the team and wagon. It was a busy life on the family farm in those days, there were many chores to do - milking cows, picking corn by hand, breaking horses and farming with a team. Keith graduated from Farnam High in 1950 at age 16.

Keith married Leora Knoll on August 11, 1954. After spending two years in the US Army, he came back home to farm south of Farnam. The couple made their home on the family farm and raised their four children - Garold, Mike, Pat and Pam. Keith was a lifelong farmer and was devoted to the land passed down thru his family. He had a special place in his heart for John Deere equipment, Angus cattle and agriculture in general. He was a member of Farm Bureau, the American Legion and served on the Farnam United Methodist Church Board.

Survivors include his wife, Lea Messersmith of Farnam, NE, sons Garold of Farnam, Mike (Beth) of Gothenburg, and Pat (Sandra) of Maywood; daughter Pam (James) Glodowski of Farnam; 14 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren his brother-in-law Tom Vickers; along with many extended family and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shirley Vickers.

Visitation will be held at Farnam United Methodist Church, 303 Caribou Street, Farnam, NE; Friday, December 28, 2018, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. with the family present from 4-6.

Funeral services will be held at Farnam United Methodist Church, 303 Caribou Street, Farnam, NE, Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 3:30 pm with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating.

Burial will be in the Farnam Cemetery, Farnam, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Farnam United Methodist Church, 303 Caribou Street, Farnam, NE 69029 or the Frontier County Ambulance, PO Box 443, Curtis, NE 69025.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, December 26, 2018