Keith Arthur Syvrud

BROOKLYN - Keith Syvrud, aged 89, of Brooklyn, Wis., passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025. He was born on February 23, 1935, in Madison, Wis., to Arthur and Amelia (Lee) Syvrud. A proud member of a large family, Keith was the youngest of seven brothers: Melford, Donald, Dean, Dennis, Paul, and Lee. He held immense pride in the military service of his older siblings, five of whom served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force.

Keith graduated from Mt. Horeb High School in 1955. In March 1955, he married Rosemarie Mueller, and together they had four children: daughter Kathy and sons Mark, Kevin and Brian. The family settled in Windsor, Wis., where Keith dedicated himself to raising his children until 1976. In 1980, he married his second wife, Patricia (Reichenbach), and lived in Fitchburg, Wis. In 1994, he found love again with Bette Karrmann, and they resided in Brooklyn, Wis., for 30 years until her passing in 2024.

Professionally, Keith had a successful career as a lineman and later an engineer with AT&T, working for over 30 years. He was deeply involved in his community, starting as a long-time member of the United Church of Christ in Windsor, where he served as a deacon, organized Fall Suppers and led the youth group alongside Rosemarie. Keith was a member of the Pioneers group affiliated with AT&T, participating in various charitable activities. He was also a proud participant in the Zor Shrine organization, enjoying parades on motorcycles with his companions, and cherished his charity work with the Masons.

Keith's entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in several businesses in Wisconsin, including a ski resort, K&R Kamper and Madison Property Management. He loved spending winter weekends on ski trips with family and took many summer road trips across the United States and Canada in their motorhome, creating lasting memories with his four children. As they grew older, he and Rosemarie enjoyed family vacations in Europe. After marrying Patricia, Keith embraced the role of a stepfather, helping to raise her two children, Jim and Monique (Newcomer) Reichenbach. Following his retirement and after marrying Bette, the couple purchased a second home in Arizona, where they spent winters together, traveling across the country in their motorhome to visit family and friends.

One of Keith's greatest passions was flying. He acquired the Brooklyn Airport, where he kept his plane and expanded the airfield. He built a beautiful home for Bette overlooking the airport, where he delighted in watching aircraft take off and land, often engaging in lively conversations with fellow pilots about their flying experiences. Music was another source of joy for him, with heartfelt favorites including "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," and the country classic "Make the World Go Away."

Keith is survived by his children, Kathy (Darryl) Steinhause, Mark (Kristy), Kevin (Robert) and Brian (Doreen). He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Austin, Sam, Alexandra, Meghan, Tyler, Brent, Brandon and Preston; as well as stepchildren, Jim Reichenbach, Monique Newcomer, Kim Beckmann and Steve Karrmann. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Leif, Judah, Beckett, Finn, Asher, Cassius and Winnie; and his brother, Lee (Phyllis) Syvrud.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Amelia; five brothers, Melford, Don, Dean, Dennis and Paul; and his wife, Bette.

Keith Syvrud will be remembered for his involvement to family, community commitment and his adventurous spirit. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. As Keith’s children, we have taken away valuable lessons on how to be better parents.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. John’s Church in memory of Keith Syvrud.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515