Robert G. Keith, 92, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Cedar Lake Health Care Center.
He was born September 12, 1917 in Milwaukee to the late Charles and Ruth (nee Hodge) Keith. He married Joy Matthes on February 11, 1949 in Milwaukee. Joy passed away June 14, 1991.
Robert Keith as a young man worked for his father in Milwaukee at a service station. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, building bridges. Rumor has it he climbed the Eiffel tower. In the 1940s he bought his father's business and went into the used car business. In the late 50's he opened the first Volvo car dealership in state. In 1968 he purchased Gonring's resort on Big Cedar Lake and founded Keith's Resort and Marina. Then in 1990 he and the Keith boys built a mega store on 7 acres off of Hwy. 33 in West Bend. In 2001 he sold his business to his five sons. For over 30 years he won numerous awards such as top Mercury, Sylvan, Smoker Craft, Bayliner and Maxum dealer awards. He also was a very avid outdoorsmen; he loved to golf, hunt, and fish.
He is survived by five sons, Patrick (Debbie) Keith of Slinger, Daniel (Judy) Keith of West Bend, Thomas (Eileen) Keith of Big Cedar Lake, Steven (Kimbra) Keith of Big Cedar Lake, and Timothy (Julie) Keith of Big Cedar Lake; eight grandchildren, Karlie Keith, Kaela (Luke) Mutter, Bradley Keith, Brian Keith, Julie (Nick) Burkel, Bobby Keith, Mike Keith, and Sean Keith; five great-grandchildren, Reagan Mutter, Macy Mutter, Kaleb Burkel, Kaylynn Burkel, and Alivia Wellens; two sisters, Mary Chell of Milwaukee, and Catherine Furtman of Milwaukee; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joy, a daughter, Carol, a granddaughter, Angela Keith, and two sisters, Josephine Keith and Mildred McGinnis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish, 1610 Monroe St., West Bend with Rev. Jerry Repenshek presiding. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend, on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorials to the National Kidney Foundation are appreciated.
The Keith family would like to thank the Kettle Moraine Gardens, Cedar Community Campus, and the Hartford Hospital for all the excellent care.