Keith M. Kleist age 61, of Menomonie, WI passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 3, 2025, at his home after a long battle with heart problems.
He was born August 25, 1963, in Eau Claire, WI to Farrel (Tim) and Barbara Kleist (Erickson). He grew up in Lake Hallie and then moved outside of Minong at a young age when the family bought a resort and campground. In his early teens, the family moved to Spooner and then Shell Lake, where he graduated from High School in 1983.
After High School, Keith spent nearly 14 years in the Air Force, spending most of his time in Germany, and was deployed during the Gulf War. He enjoyed the time he spent in the Air Force and was honored to have served his country. After leaving the Air Force in 1996, Keith moved to Menomonie to be closer to family.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching sports with his little brother, going to coffee every Sunday at his Father and Stepmother's, working on computers, and spoiling his two cats. Most of all, he was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many who was always willing to help others when asked.
He is survived by his father and stepmother Tim Kleist and Romelle Marzitelli, brother Kim Kleist, sister and brother-in-law Dawn and Jimmy Smith, sister Deborah Kleist, brother and sister-in-law Kyle and Jessica Kleist, nephews Tyler Powers, Joshua and Natalie Luedtke, niece Nicole Larrabee, and great nieces and nephews Jay Luedtke, Aylana Luedtke, Kylie Luedtke, and Olivia Luedtke, and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norman and Ruth Kleist, and Richard and Marge Erickson; mother Barbara Kleist, sister Doreen Kleist, sister-in-law Rose Kleist, and his first spoiled cat Miss Kitty.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 13th, 2025, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 3 - 4, with a light luncheon following the service.
Burial will be held later this spring, with Keith’s final resting place at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery, Spooner, WI.
To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.
