Keith Walter Moddelmog

Keith Moddelmog, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Beaumont, California. Born on April 23, 1942, in Goessel, Kansas, he was the oldest of six children: Richard, Sharon, Stuart, Marsha, and Patti, and the son of Walter and Lucille (Meyer) Moddelmog.

Keith married Carolyn Schulz on November 30, 1962, and they were blessed with three children, Greg- deceased (Carrie) Moddelmog Newport Beach California; Brad (Katrina) Moddelmog Newcastle California; Christy (Dwayne- deceased) Young Riverside California. Keith was also a grandfather, affectionately known as Pa, to nine grandchildren: Ryan, Robert, Christopher, Patricia, Kayla, Marcus, Sara, Joshua, Joseph and seven great grandchildren: Keegan, Violet, Dallas, Riley, Tessa, Lane and Reid.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Lucille Moddelmog; his brother, Richard Moddelmog; his son, Greg Moddelmog; and his son-in-law, Dwayne Young.

In May 1960, at the age of eighteen, Keith graduated from Moundridge High School and met Carolyn at the McPherson County Fair in Canton, Kansas. Their connection was immediate, and it wasn’t long before they were "going steady." Keith loved cruising Main Street with Carolyn in his red and white 1957 Chevy. The couple fell in love and married on November 30, 1962, at the Methodist Church in Canton.

After briefly settling in McPherson, Kansas, they moved west to Anaheim, California, in 1963. That same year, Keith began his career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier, and their first child, Greg, was born. Brad followed in 1966, and Christy was born in 1971. The family attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Anaheim, where the children went to school and Keith served on the School Board.

In 1972, they relocated to Garden Grove, where they would spend the next 32 years. During this time, Keith worked part-time as an usher at Angel Stadium while continuing his career with the Postal Service. He quickly advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming Postmaster of Placentia and then Fullerton. Keith also served on the Executive Board of the Postal Federal Credit Union for several years.

After 41 years with the Postal Service, Keith and Carolyn retired in October 2004 and moved to Beaumont, California, to start a new chapter in their lives. In Beaumont, they forged wonderful friendships and found a loving community at Grace Lutheran Church. Keith was an active member, serving on the Church Trustee Committee for many years and, health permitting, never missed a worship service or Bible study.

In 2017, when he faced kidney failure, his sister Marsha generously donated a kidney, adding seven years to his life. His family will always be grateful for the precious time they had with him as a result.

Keith treasured traveling with family and friends, enjoying countless adventures around the globe, but he particularly enjoyed a 2011 trip to Israel. He also made it a point to visit Kansas every year to connect with family. Keith loved socializing with his neighbors, watching Angel Baseball, and was a devoted Costco fan, never missing a trip there, even when he wasn’t feeling his best. Above all, he cherished the moments spent with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Wilson Street, Banning, California, on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 AM. Please note that there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Keith can be made to Grace Lutheran Church Banning or The Lutheran Hour Ministries.