TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN:

Keith Dee Barcus, 76, of Bemidji, Minnesota passed away on June 29, 2024 doing what he loved in the great outdoors - trapping his gophers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 5, 2024 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Bemidji, MN. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Interment will be at the Shevlin City Cemetery in Shevlin, MN under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji.

Keith was born on September 6, 1947 to Douglas and Jennie (Wobbema) Barcus in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In 1956, they moved the family to Shevlin, Minnesota. Keith was baptized and confirmed at the Clearwater Lutheran Church in Shevlin. Keith attended Shevlin Elementary School and Bagley High School graduating in 1965. In 1966, Keith was drafted into the United States Army and served his country with honor during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. After serving his Country, Keith attended the VoTech in Bemidji for carpentry. His first job was with Nu Ply. Keith then worked for Northwestern Bell, and retired from Quest Telephone in 2004. Keith married Linda (Clemenson) Barcus on January 21, 1983 in Nashville, Tennessee. Together they joined their loving families. He was a shining example of what it means to be a loving husband, dad, father-in-law and grandpa!

Keith loved the great outdoors! He was known as “Rambo” by all his family and friends. He had the most loving heart and was a friend to everyone he met. In the fall, he would spend time hunting on his family farm in Shevlin with his kids and grandkids. Montana was another favorite spot to hunt with his hunting buddies. After retirement, he spent many years traveling to Colorado, elk guiding for Beaver Creek Outfitters. Most recently, he hunted at his son’s farm in Pinewood from his Taj Mahal deer stand. During the winter months, Keith would be the first one to brave the ice to set up the spear house on Lake Bemidji while the rest of us were bringing in our docks. Besides spearing northern, he was the self-appointed lake road crew making sure all the roads were plowed for everyone to get to their fish houses. In the spring and summer months he spent endless hours at his Family Resort - Wildview Lodge on Little Island Lake in the Bovey area. His kids and grandkids have amazing memories, great life lessons, hunting and fishing, driving the golf cart, gardening, swimming with the cousins, and visiting with all the resort guests. Recently, Keith became known as the “King of Gopher Trapping,” rising at dawn to tirelessly control the critters plaguing local farmers. Known for his incredible luck, Keith seemed to win a gun at every banquet he attended. Keith had simple pleasures too; he found joy in watching Wheel of Fortune and spent his evenings checking his gopher traps.

Keith was truly like no other. His loyalty to his family and friends was unparalleled, a testament to his generous spirit and kind heart. His bond with veterans was deep-rooted and meaningful. Throughout his life, Keith demonstrated immense strength and resilience, particularly in his journey to overcome the scars of war. His active participation in the Vietnam PTSD group not only provided him with a support network, but also played a crucial role in his life. Keith found solace and companionship in his fellow veterans, as they shared their experiences, hardships, and triumphs. Additionally, Keith was an avid member of the In Country Vietnam Motorcycle Club. Keith’s involvement in these groups not only brought him joy and purpose but also served as a testament to his unwavering resilience and determination. Every year, he eagerly participated in the Ride for the Troops, always riding behind the group to assist anyone whose bike encountered engine trouble.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife Linda and leaves behind a cherished legacy in his children and grandchildren: Sheila (John) Eckman and their children Kendra (Cameron) and Caden of Fosston, Minnesota; Mandi Fontaine (Jarrod) and her children Brendyn (Alex) Scouton and Sean (Rylee) Fontaine, great-grandchildren Carter and Luca of Wrenshall, Minnesota; Eric (Jana) Norgaard and their children Matthew and Jack of Bemidji, Minnesota; and Chris (Jenny) Norgaard and their children Addie & Gunnar of Bismark, North Dakota. He is also survived by his siblings Kent (Connie) Barcus and Dee Christopherson, and remembered fondly by his brother and sister-in-laws: Dennis (Harriet) Clemenson, Sharon (James) Solien, Cindy (Jerry) Erickson, and Sandy (Ken) Charpentier plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Keith has now been reunited with his parents Douglas (Georgine) Barcus, Jennie (Herman) Lepley, his sister Janice Parson, sister-in-law Susan Paulson, brother-in-law Cleo Christopherson, brother-in-law Dick Watne and nephew Chad Westrum. His memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends whose lives he touched deeply with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering love.