Keith Leonard Thayer found peace on April 27, 2024, at home after a courageous three-year battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer that metastasized into his bones; he later developed stage 1 lung cancer.
He was born to Leonard and Marion Thayer on November 25th, 1957. Keith grew up in Lima Center and was from the wrong side of the track. Marcie, his future wife, walked down daily after they met.
Keith and Marcie Mulrooney were married on June 21st, 1980, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milton, WI. They had celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.
Although he did not graduate from high school, he was gifted with common sense. He earned his GED at age 45. In his younger days, Keith played Men’s and Coed softball. He coached Marcie’s Women’s Softball Team (1 year was enough). Keith enjoyed woodworking and made rocking chairs for nieces and nephews. He remodeled his home. Keith and Marcie enjoyed playing euchre and belonged to a card club. Keith was a Good Samaritan, changing your flat tire or pushing you out of the ditch. Keith loved his family and revered his parents. He enjoyed the elderly and assisted them when he could. He liked to read and watch westerns. He was a great cook and made the best gravy in the world. Keith never passed a dog without scritching it. He water skied and snow skied until his health declined. He never complained about his pain; he just bulled on. He was an avid pheasant hunter and trained his dogs to be excellent hunters. He loved to travel and had fond memories of a trip to Plentywood, MT pheasant hunting with his father, brother, brothers-in-laws, other family and friends and his dog Logan.
Keith worked various construction and printing jobs. At his last job, he operated a C&C machine for Wood Products.
Keith is survived by his wife, Marcie, his brother Gary (Susan), sisters Kay (Mike Coleman), Jan (Ralph Wussow), and Chris (Bob Ide). His in-laws include Tess Mulrooney (Paul Eastwood), Pam (Jim Kennedy), Dave (Holly) Mulrooney. He had many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great greats. His four goddaughters: Shella Thompson, Cassandra Anderson, Shannon Kennedy, and Alicia Markham. Keith is further survived by his dogs Willie and Waylon.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Marion, in-laws, Ed and Joy Mulrooney, sister Joyce and brother-in-law Frank Los. He was further predeceased by his dogs Whitefoot, Ginger, MacGregor, Logan, Sullivan, and Kolby.
Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey McGuire; Dr. James Runo; Dr. Michael Eastman, Dana and the staff at Johnson Creek UW Cancer Center; and the UW Health care team. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UW Health Pulmonary Unit, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Agrace Hospice, or the Humane Society of Jefferson County.
Visitation is taking place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street in Whitewater on Friday, May 10 from 10 to 12, with the service immediately following. A luncheon will be served at the Community Room at Brookdale Manor at 1061 W. Blackhawk Drive #108, Whitewater will provide more time for gathering after the service.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.
Keith Leonard Thayer
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