Clyde P. McKee

AKRON, Iowa -- Clyde Palmer McKee, 81, of Akron passed away peacefully, with family at his side on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, at Hillcrest Health Care Services in Hawarden, Iowa. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel, Sioux City, Iowa

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron, with the Rev. Tanya Sherrill officiating. Visitation with the family will be 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church.

Clyde was born Oct. 31, 1929, in rural Beresford, S.D., to Clyde and Palma (Loe) McKee. Clyde was a member of the Sioux Falls Air Guard and on March 1, 1951, went to active duty serving during the Korean War. After his discharge in 1952, he worked various jobs in the Hawarden area, including serving on the Hawarden Police Department.

He later became self-employed as a backhoe operator and served the surrounding area for more than 40 years. He spent many years farming on the side. He was instrumental in the development of Newton Hills State Park and was honored with a pond named on behalf of his family.

On Feb. 28, 1951, he was married to Imogene Jammerthal in Luverne, Minn. To this union seven children were born, Darold, Brian, Pamela, Bridget, Julie, Karen and Michael.

He was a member of the Methodist Church in Hawarden. Clyde loved to bowl, fish, hunt and host family barbecues. He treasured the time spent with his family and friends.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Imogene; his children, Darold McKee of Akron, Brian (Kim) McKee of Akron, S.D., Pamela (Kerwyn) McInnis of Hawarden, Bridget Stabe and special friend, Reed Graves of Akron, Julie McKee of Akron, Karen (Dan) Twedt of Akron, and Michael McKee of Hawarden; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; sisters, May Lou (Curt) Lewison of Akron, and Carol (Lou) Boido of Grass Valley, Calif.; brother, Paul (Shirley) McKee of Alcester, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews.

Clyde is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David, Erskine, Jesse, and two at infancy; and sisters, Beatrice and Ruth.