Keith Allen Holcomb went to be with Jesus on February 20, 2020 after a long struggle with COPD. Keith was born in Monroe, Wisconsin, on July 12, 1938, to Leon (“Flib”) and Alma (VanMeter) Holcomb. As a child, he lived in Monroe, Monticello, and Hollandale, where his Dad was a Cheesemaker. Keith graduated from Monroe HS in 1956 and joined the Navy. He spent two years Active duty and four years in the Navy Reserves. After discharge from the Navy, he spent 16 years at the Swiss Colony in Monroe as a Data Processing Supervisor in Sales. From 1975 to 1985, he co-owned The Pallet Factory in Kendall and Tomah. He worked at Best Power in Necedah for 13 years in sales, prior to retiring.
In 1959, Keith was united in marriage to Joan Mauerman. This marriage was blessed with three daughters. In 1985, he was united in marriage to Sandra Ann Johnson and was blessed with another daughter. After Sandy’s death, he met and married Andrea White in 1994.
In his early years, he was involved in many organizations. He enjoyed many happy summers spent at Fish Lake with his family and friends. He found his sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous in 1984. He was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Reedsburg and was always in awe of God’s abundant Grace. It was his Faith in God and the 12 steps of AA that sustained him. He lived his life one day at a time with tremendous gratitude.
Keith and Andrea bought a pop-up camper shortly after they were married (because Andrea always wanted a pop-up), and Keith fell in love with camping, spending many summers with friends at Castle Rock, Devil’s Lake, and Ontario. After retirement, they graduated to a bigger rig and spent every winter in Florida with new-found friends from all over the country.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years and 8 months, Andrea; his daughters, Kelly Holcomb of New Lisbon, Tracy (Rick) Heinkel of New Lisbon, Melissa (Chris) Connor of Poynette. His grandchildren: Tanner (Deanna Lee Harrison and son Parker Pitts) Holcomb of Baraboo; Zane (Angela) Heinkel of Kaukauna; Zach Heinkel of Arlington, Virginia; and Aidan and Mya Connor of Poynette. His special nephews and their families: Terry (Denise) Holcomb, Kevin Holcomb, and David (Donnetta) Holcomb. His Sisters-in law and Brothers-in-law: Jane and Bob Atkinson, DeBary FL; Lori (Neal) Kingsley, Wendy (John) Kannenburg and their families; and Rick Koepp. Joan Holcomb (mother of Kelly and Tracy). Special friends Karen and Dan Patton, and their girls Jessica, Elizabeth and Emily; and many other nieces and nephews and friends, his church family, and his ever-loyal lap warmer, Pepper (who would think she should be listed first!)
He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter Tammy Jo; Sandra Ann (mother of Melissa); his brother Jack (Rosie); Charlotte Koepp and Al Koepp; Carol and Ray Harris; and Pamela Kannenberg Sibiga.
Keith was an honest and humble spiritual man, who touched everyone’s hearts with his smile, laughter, hugs, and his genuine compassion for everyone. He was a father figure and mentor to so many. He will be greatly missed.
The family wants to thank Agrace Hospice, their nurses, Carrie, Jordan, Kim, and Andrea’s rock, Karla. The CNA’s all were special, but with Dan he could talk about ‘guy stuff’. Special thanks to Jessica for her spiritual guidance, and Betty, who came and spent hours guiding our family as we gathered with Keith to share memories.
Andrea also wants to thank her ‘girls’, (Kelly, Tracy, and Melissa); her evening helper, Kathy K., her dear friend Karen for being with her at all hours; Tammy Koenecke for added spiritual care; her St. John church family and other friends for their prayers. And mostly God for blessing her with Keith.
A memorial service for Keith will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 2, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Pastor Paula Harris officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg, and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. John Lutheran Church or Agrace Hospice.
Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
