Kenny "Gonzo" Keith

SUN PRAIRIE- Kenneth G. “Kenny” Keith, age 60, of Sun Prairie, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022.  He was born on Dec. 6, 1962, in Madison, the son of Earl Keith and Jeralyn (Vincent) Manthe.

As a father, he was fiercely loyal to his two beautiful daughters and wonderful granddaughters. He loved them with all his heart from the minute they were born, and he had a special nickname for each one of them. He cherished every moment that he was able to spend with them.

Kenny attended La Follette High School. He was in the graduating class of 1981. He was the manager at Buckeye Inn for many years. He owned and managed Gonzo’s Bar and Grill, which booked many local, regional, and national bands. Recently, he was a Taxi Driver at Union Cab of Madison Cooperative, Wisconsin for 19 years.

Kenny’s family had a trailer on the Mississippi River when growing up. They spent many weekends and summers there. Kenny had a love for the outdoors and fishing.  He enjoyed both at every opportunity he had all through his life.  He continued visiting the Mississippi River and many other lakes in Wisconsin. His recent favorite fishing spot was White Lake, Montello, Wis. Kenny spent many weekends and vacations there with Jill.

Kenny was a gifted vocalist, songwriter and musician. He was the lead vocalist in several local Madison bands. Just to mention a few; Predator, Metal Gonz, Vinyl Thunder, and Get Gonzo.  In his most recent band, Just Chillin’, he was lead and harmony vocals and rhythm guitarist. He was currently working on recording his original songs with Donny Schmitz at Uwani Studio in Windsor, Wis.

He was an avid Packers Fan and enjoyed watching pro and college football games.  He took many bus trips with his close friends to see the Packers play throughout the United States.

As a friend, he was one of a kind.  He had the biggest most generous heart and gave the best hugs to anyone who would let him. When you were in his presence, he made you feel special and so loved. He never missed an opportunity to tell you how much he loved you and how special you were to him.

Kenny is survived by his daughters, Kirstie Keith and Karissa Keith; his fiance’, Jill Guzzetta; grandchildren, Karma and Kaylani Langlois; father, Earl; siblings, Jean Hagerstrom, Bud (Linda) Keith and Willie (Audra) Keith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, especially Patrick (PJ) Janssen and Vicki Harkins.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeralyn.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. A private family burial will follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, and also from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420