Keith Jerome Nentl

Keith Jerome Nentl, age 69, of Aitkin, Minn., peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August, 25, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1956, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud to Al and RoseAnn (Namyst) Nentl. Keith was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Keith lived in Holdingford, Minn., the first years of his life, and then moved to Aitkin with his family in 1959. He began his education at Maryhill Academy and graduated from Aitkin High School in 1974.

Keith entered the workforce at a very young age helping his Dad at the Aitkin Dairy. He was co- owner of the Aitkin Ice Company and sole proprietor of the Aitkin Dairy, the business his father and mother first operated. Keith loved his work and the friends he made on his many deliveries. Keith built the Birch Street Grocery store in Aitkin. He later had the vision to turn the grocery story into the Birch Street Center, a professional office center that has served so many local residents over the years. That was Keith’s purpose in life…to help others, and he did it well.

Keith was honored to serve and help his community. He was a fireman with the Aitkin Fire Department and served as Captain for the #2 fire truck. He served on the Aitkin City Council for eight years. He loved umpiring Little League baseball games; coordinating Aitkin student field trips to local art and theatre events at area schools; volunteering at Ruttgers’ Oktoberfest; providing pontoon rides for Aicota/Vitality residents; and serving as a guide for Fishing Has No Boundaries.

In addition to his community service, Keith enjoyed hobbies that included playing for the Aitkin Stags baseball team, bowling at Aitkin Lanes, and Warsaw 200 snowmobiling trips with friends and cousins, which he loved. TV favorites were watching the San Francisco Giants and NASCAR.

In addition to living a life full of activities, Keith also found a peaceful sanctuary and getaway through his retirement project… owning beautiful Maple Island on Cedar Lake.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Al and RoseAnn; brother Kevin, and many loved family members.

Keith is survived by his siblings: Mary Kay Christensen and Everett of Hawley, Minn.; Michael Nentl of Aitkin, Minn., and special friend Sandy of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; Joyce DeGrote and Bruce of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; and Ann Rivas Vatnsdal and Brian of Wadena, Minn. Nephews and nieces are: Paul Mayavski and Stacey of Glenwood, Minn.; Angie DeGrote and Cole Bauer of St. Cloud, Minn.; Jodi Atterberg and Pete of Fargo, N. Dak.; Brian DeGrote and Casey of St. Michael, Minn.; and Daniel Rivas of Chicago, Ill. Great nephews and nieces are: Calvin and Eddie Bauer, Grace and Owen Atterberg, and Erin DeGrote. Sister-in-law Tonya (Nentl) Butler also survives Keith, as well as numerous special relatives and friends.

Thank you to Rivers Edge Assisted Living staff and residents for the support, love, and friendship shared with our brother. Thank you also to Moments Hospice for the gentle and compassionate care given to our brother.

A Celebration of Life for Keith will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Two Rivers Event Center located at 970 2nd Street NW in Aitkin. The burial service will be for the immediate family only. 

To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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