Timothy William Keitel, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly on February 1, 2023, in his home just days after his 74th birthday.
Tim was the oldest of ten kids, born January 30, 1949 to William and Mary Keitel. He retired after 40 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association /WellPoint. He was a graduate of North High School and earned an Associate degree in accounting from Lakeshore Technical Institute. He continued to live in Milwaukee after retiring, making frequent trips to Sheboygan for the family gatherings and occasionally bicycling to and from Sheboygan.
Tim taught his younger siblings, nieces and nephews many skills; self-confidence, standing up to bullies, swimming, playing sheepshead, cribbage, chess and a little backyard football. He was a good teacher and a humbly good sport when his ‘young students’ took all of his card money!
Tim was a fighter against injustice. From defending his siblings against bullies or opening his home when his family needed a place to live, to coming to the aid of people in need. His generosity was humble and genuine. Tim’s cousin, Margaret would say, “when you had a conversation with Tim, you always went away with a life lesson.”
Tim’s analytical skills as an accountant were evident when he and his father built award winning soap box derby racers, making all of his family so proud. Tim was a Packer fan and wore the logo proudly! He enjoyed the spring fishing trips to Buckatabon with his brothers, brothers in law, his dad and Joe Thelen. Of course, there were many stories told and cards played. He was also quite the swimmer, looping all of Forest Lake!
Tim’s life is celebrated by many including his 8 surviving brothers, sisters and their spouses, 8 nieces and nephews, 6 great nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family members. He often teased that being the oldest meant that he paved the way for the other nine siblings and now he joins those who paved the way before him.
Tim is survived by siblings: Jill (Gary) Thelen of Sheboygan Falls, Kathe Fermin of Sheboygan, Bill (Jill) Keitel of San Diego, Pat Keitel of Sun City AZ, Sheila (Alan) Brinson of Phoenix AZ, Mike Keitel of Sheboygan, Marilyn (David) Lamb of Stevens Point, Joe (Lynn) Keitel of Sun Prairie. Tim was preceded in death by his sister Amy Keitel Thompson, his parents William and Mary Keitel, and his brother-in-law, Armand Fermin.
A private family service to memorialize Tim will occur in the fall.
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