Services for Keith Danks

Keith Danks, age 81, of Erskine, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 4th, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11th, at Rodnes Lutheran Church, rural Erskine with the Rev. Joel Smeby officiating. Interment will be in Poplar Lake Cemetery, rural Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, November 10th, at Rodnes Lutheran Church. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Erskine and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Rodnes Lutheran Church.

Keith Duane Danks was born on March 13, 1936 in Bagley, Minnesota to parents Merle and Winifred Anderson Danks. He grew up in Lengby, Minnesota, attended the Lengby school, Fosston High School and the Crookston AC. He spent much of his early adult years in Grand Forks, driving potato truck for his father and starting a delivery company known as Bekins Van Line.

Keith was an active entrepreneur and businessman his entire life and instrumental in the development of Grand Forks. As a forward thinking and charitable person, he provided land for housing use during the 1997 flood, donated downtown Grand Forks property for park use, and most notably, he donated the land for building the Alerus Center. In addition to his work in Grand Forks, he developed many housing additions throughout Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Keith’s homestead at Crystal Lake near Erskine, where he was currently residing, was purchased 40 plus years ago. It was here that he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Keith was a pilot and liked flying for many years; he enjoyed country music and has an impressive rock and art collection that spans over 30 years.

Keith will be remembered for helping people and his giving heart.

Survivors include his life partner, Winnie, of Erskine, MN; three children, Cheryl Danks of Erskine, Craig Danks of Oklahoma City, OK, and Keith Danks, Jr. (Meridee) of Grand Forks; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two brothers, Harvey of Wisconsin and Lee of Minneapolis; aunt, Kathleen Stinar of Bagley; and former spouse, Kathleen Danks of Grand Forks. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marlys.