Keith Edwin Wartzenluft, Jr., 62, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021 after courageously fighting his 4 year battle with leukemia.
Keith was the loving father of Keith W. (William Phillips) Wartzenluft, Jennifer (Stuart) Garraway, and Kendra Wartzenluft. He was the proud grandfather to two grandchildren, Emmalyn and Grayson Garraway. Loving son to his mother, Lorraine (Vic) Platta and father, Keith Wartzenluft, Sr. Eldest brother to four siblings, Cindy (Terry) Stemper, Lori Lynn (Wendell) Podoll, Joseph (Beth) Wartzenluft, and Michael (Tammy) Wartzenluft. He is further survived my many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Born in Zion, IL, on March 8, 1959, to Keith Wartzenluft, Sr. and Lorraine (Cliff) Platta, Keith grew up attending Lake View School and Central Junior High. He began High School at Zion Benton Township High School in Zion, IL and went on to graduate from Adams Friendship High School in Adams Friendship, WI.
After high school Keith moved back to Zion and married Deborah (Westerman) Vogler and together they had a loving daughter, Jennifer (Wartzenluft) Garraway. Years later Keith was remarried to JoAnn (Hietikko) Wartzenluft and had two beautiful children, Keith and Kendra Wartzenluft.
As a young boy, Keith became quite a fan of the Minnesota Vikings football team. During football season he loved to watch them play while also razzing his younger brothers and father who were fans of the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. In addition to his love for football, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing on occasion, and taking his family boating.
Keith loved to spend time with his family, whether it be a Friday night at the Zion Benton Moose Lodge or attending his own children and grandchildren’s sporting events, art shows, concerts, and plays. He enjoyed traveling to warmer climates including vacationing in the Caribbean and visiting his mother in Florida.
Keith was employed as a mechanical engineer at NRG (Midwest Generation/ComEd) in Waukegan, IL for the entirety of his career. Keith also worked multiple jobs in order to provide for his family including Rogers Towing and Piggly Wiggly in Zion, IL. He was a hard worker and well liked by all that knew him. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed being a handyman. From working in his garage to fixing up cars, or various home projects, you could count on him to get the job done.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home. Public viewing will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral Services will follow. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at:
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory 5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144 Phone: (262) 654-3533
