Keith Movall

Keith Movall, a loved and respected Newell farmer, passed away June 30, 2025, at the age of 78, with his wife Betty by his side.

Memorial services will take place Tuesday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Burial will be in Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Keith was one of two sons, born March 21, 1947, to Lois (Iverson) and Frank Movall, from Sulphur Springs. He started his love of the farm when his dad bought the farm south of Newell when he was two! Keith attended Newell Providence school from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Keith grew up loving every aspect of the farm, learning from his dad, uncles and neighbors. He especially loved his time on the John Deere tractors. He was very active in 4-H. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1969 with a degree in animal science. He came back home to Newell to partner in farming with his father until Frank retired. Keith was involved in the Newell Coop Board of Directors, very active in the 1st Congregational church in Newell, served on the BV County Hospital board and continued being involved with BV Pork Producers. Keith believed he learned the most from his father in hog production, a “real tradition in the business!” There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that raising hogs and cattle farming was his life, as he bought out his father, when Frank retired.

Besides the love of farming, Keith’s special love was his two sons — raising them with his work ethics, values and success in life. Sharing work on the farm or playing at the county fair… and then the joy and love that his grandchildren gave him.

Keith enjoyed his class reunions, especially after his 40th class reunion, when an old friendship was ignited a year later, in 2006, Keith and Betty Wahlstrom were married at the Allee Mansion. 

After retirement in 2018, Keith and Betty enjoyed trips to Alaska, Black Hills, Texas, Colorado, Las Vegas and playing cards and games with family and friends, Newell-Fonda basketball, softball games and sports. The joy of his grandchildren brought many smiles to his life.
Keith is survived by his wife Betty (Wahlstrom); her sons: Jeffrey Johnston (Angela) of Terrell, Texas) and Adam Allgood (Kristy) and grandchildren, Cooper and Acey, of Plano, Texas. Also surviving him are his sons: Matt Movall (Erin) and grandchildren: Reid, Peyton and Ellie of Libertyville, Ill.; and Mike Movall (Stevie) and grandchildren, August and Arria from Valparaiso, Ind.; and their mother Nancy Baak Movall; his brother Ed and wife Chris Movall of Fish Creek, Wis.; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who will miss him dearly.