Keith Joseph Leon Klimt came into this world on September 22, 1937, and left his mark on the many fortunate people that he encountered. Those who met him and got to know him found that he was a strong and forthright individual who strove to handle himself in an honorable manner.
He grew up the youngest son of three boys, brothers Harold and Jack, and one younger and feisty sister, Karen. He had two loving parents, Elmer and Cecilia. Elmer passed away young and Cecilia was left to raise their four children in a lower to middle class neighborhood on 319 Myrtle. She raised their children as a strong Roman Catholic family. These hard beginnings forged a strong work ethic, exhibited by having to shovel coal into the family home furnace, walking a mile to a Catholic school each day and graduating high school at the tender age of 16.
During these formative years he formed long lasting friendships that stayed with him even when the relationships ebbed. He never lost trust and hope in those friendships and the people he loved. One of these long-lived friendships, Kenny, led him to the U.S. Navy. He was committed to going into the service with his best friend, but was denied that opportunity due to a delay in his enrollment. He went along and was sad, but did not back down from the pledge he made. He was lucky his intelligence was solid and showed him new trades and horizons. While he was successful in the Navy, he made the decision to leave the service to pursue different life experiences.
After leaving the military, he went to work at DitmCo. He married Betty, the mother of their children, Brian and Andrea. Although the marriage dissolved, he remained a wonderful role model, mentor and super hero to them. With both his and Betty’s guidance, their children grew up happy and lead successful lives.
In 1984, he was united in marriage to Marjorie (Marge). He found himself with a new “additional” family with bonus children, Shanin and Joe. He threw himself into the role with the same vigor and honor that he had done with everything else in life. The family that was formed grew and strengthened as the love grew. Not only had he found love, his love created a beautiful blended family.
Keith was a simple man. Life, love, friendships and honor. He stood tall and proud of the accomplishments in his life, exemplified by the needs of his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Don’t mourn his passing, rather mourn those who did not get the opportunity to know and love Keith. He loved God and is blessed to be with him now. He will be missed, but fondly remembered with much love by those who knew him. You die twice, once when you leave us, and again when no one says your name. Keith, Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Brother-in-law, and Uncle will always be spoken here. Please tell his stories often.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Marge, of 39 years, his devoted sister, Karen (Nick), his four children, Brian (Janet), Andrea (Jeff), Joe (Lisa), and Shanin (Doug). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Kelly, Joshua, Brett, Tyler, Matthew, Kelsie, David and Sophie as well as two great-grandchildren, Jayden and Syrus. We were all so very blessed with Keith and will always cherish our memories that we shared with him.
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