Keith Duane Walrack

MADISON-Keith Duane Walrack, age 74, of Madison, WI, went to be with his Lord, on January 25th, 2018.  Keith struggled with numerous health issues for the past several years and quietly passed away at University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, WI, surrounded by his family and friends during the last days of his life.   Keith was born in Lewistown, Montana, on February 5, 1943, to George Dewey and Helen Edith (Mikich) Walrack and was the 4rd of 6 children.  He grew up on a farm, attended, and graduated from Blanchardville Public School, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.  He married Vicki Horrel on November 26, 1968, and they had a son, Brian, December 18, 1969.  Later on, he married Julie Anne (Nilson) Kennedy, on November 3, 1973.  They blended their families to include Julie’s children: Michael and David Kennedy and later on, had 2 children together:  Thomas A. and Daniel A.   After the death of Julie on July 4, 2000, he married Sylvia Koscielski on July 7, 2003. After graduating high school, Keith moved from the Blanchardville area to Madison, WI. where he was employed by McMahon & Sons, working on various construction projects to include foundations of homes, silo buildings and office buildings.  After 6 years, Keith started working with Jim O’Neil doing cattle purchasing and selling.  After 12 years of working with Mr. O’Neil, Keith began to work for himself and remained self-employed, working in auto parts and sales, until his death.   Among the many interests that Keith enjoyed, were visiting with his family, hearing about the achievements of his grandchildren, working outdoors, the football season. watching TV comedy shows and going on road trips to hunt for a good deal.   Keith helped anyone that needed help, spent time with his siblings and parents; but his real passion was his buying and selling auto and machinery parts and raising cattle.  He always had the farmer blood in him and He was always the first one to help others, even when they did not ask for any.  He had a sense of knowing when someone was in need and he was there.  Keith had a wonderful love and a profound sense pride for his family that he showed in many ways.  He could often be heard telling stories of them. Keith, beloved son, brother, husband and loving father, was preceded in death by his parents, George Dewey and Helen Walrack, 3 brothers:  Matthew Allen, Stephen Michael and Stanley Joseph, 2 sons: Brian and Tommy, a niece, Sandra (Mastandrea) Nudo and his wife, Julie (Nilson).  Keith is survived by his wife of 15 years, Sylvia Koscielski, his son, Daniel, stepsons; Michael and David Kennedy, his sisters: Gloria (Walrack) Mastandrea and Kathryn (Walrack) Diamond, grandchildren; Tysen, Lawsen, Braxten, and Easten Walrack, Max and Zoe Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews.  Funeral Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.A luncheon and burial will follow the service. Special thanks to the staff at University Hospital, Meriter Hospital, Karmenta Nursing Home and the Rehabilitation Clinics he was at, for the many hours of care that they gave to make Keith comfortable in his last days.  All of you will always be remembered for your kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.   Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420