Keith Augustine

October 30, 1938 - October 23, 2020

Keith R. Augustine, 81, of Rose Hill, died Friday, October 23, 2020, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born October 30, 1938, in Oskaloosa, the son of (Albert) Rommel and Mildred Brown Augustine. He graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1956. Following high school he was accepted into Iowa State Veterinary School, but opted to stay and work on the family farm. In December of 1957, he was united in marriage to Esther Strasser. To this marriage two children were born, Andy and Ruth Ann. Keith and Esther raised their family on the family farm north of Rose Hill. He continued to farm with his brother, son, nephews, great nephew, and great-great nephews until 2017. He was a dedicated farmer and believed in hard work and growing the family farm for future generations. He was an active member of the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, were he served the Lord for nearly 50 years. He enjoyed baseball, softball, hunting, and card club. The only thing more important than farming, was fishing. An avid fisherman his entire life he made annual trips to Ontario, Texas, and Minnesota with his reluctant but constant fishing partner. He was passionate about passing down his love and skills to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Keith gave selflessly of his time and talents to help his family, church, and community, and firmly believed in giving back to those. He coached youth sports, lead 4H, and was founding member of Habitat for Humanity in Oskaloosa. His family includes his wife of over 62 years, Esther Augustine of rural Rose Hill; his children, Andy and Beth Augustine of Plymouth, Minnesota. Ruth Ann and Bryan Meyer of Dittmer, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; his brother and business partner for 61 years, Howard Augustine of rural Rose Hill; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister in law, Wanda Augustine. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with Reverends Robert and Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in the Indianapolis Cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. The funeral service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. Open visitation will begin Monday after 12 noon and continue until 7:00 Monday evening. Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House or the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa.