Keith E. Rivers' Obituary
Keith Ervin Rivers passed away at his home with his wife at his side on March 31, 2009 after a long and often courageous battle with colon cancer. Keith was born on December 12, 1956, the son of Ervin and Donna Rivers. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1975. Keith was employed by Citation (the Berlin Foundry) for 33 years. He was the Purchasing Manager at the time of his medical retirement in December, 2008. Keith was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, transforming his basement into "Lambeau Field South." Family and friends spent many happy game days cheering and coaching the Packers. Keith also played baseball on various teams in the Oshkosh leagues and he bowled on the Mabel Murphy bowling team. But Keith's greatest joy was to share in his children's lives and accomplishements. He coached Tee Ball and Little League. He was "that" Dad in the front row at flag football games, dance and piano recitals, band concerts, school plays and Sunday School programs. He was the husband and father at the Marathon finish line encouraging Rachel and Ashley the final few yards. Keith attended services at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oshkosh and drew strength from the prayers and caring support of the congregation.
Keith was preceded in death by his mother: Donna Rivers and his brother-in-law: Paul Grahn. Keith is survived by his loving wife: Rachel, his precious daughter: Ashley Faye and his wonderful son: Benjamin Grahn all of Oshkosh; his father: Ervin (Sharon) Rivers of Princeton; his sisters: Pat (Tim) Hill of Princeton, Candy (Bill) Austin of Oshkosh, Lorrie (Randy) Keenlance of Oshkosh; brothers: Jim of Princeton, Terry (special friend: Penny Bucholt) of Redgranite, Jeff (Karen) of Wild Rose; his mother-in-law: Cathy Steinke of Oshkosh; his sister-in-law: Rene Gillhouse; brothers-in-law: Gregory (Kristen) Stumpner and Gary Stumpner all of Berlin. Keith will be sadly missed by many loving nieces and nephews, special friends, Gary Zarzyski and Dustin Phalen and many, many friends who made his journey through this life worthwhile. The family would like to give special thanks to Keith's mother-in-law, Cathy, for the many hours she spent with Keith and to Dan and Amanda Neisen for the endless love and support given to Rachel, Ashley and Ben. Special thanks also goes to Theda Care Hospice and all of the nurses, to special Hospice Volunteer, Ken and to Dr. Daniel Kaiser and staff. Thank you for the compassionate and professional care you gave to Keith and his family.
Visitation for Keith Ervin Rivers will be Friday, April 3, 2009 from, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Fiss & Bills Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009 in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2450 W. 9th Ave., Oshkosh. To continue the Packer tradition, please wear your Packer gear for the Friday night visitation hours. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday in the church with Rev. Roger A. Erdman officiating. Burial will follow in Waukau Cemetery in Waukau. Online condolances may be made: fissbillspoklasny.com
Fiss & Bills Funeral Home 865 S. Westhaven Drive 920-235-1170
What’s your fondest memory of Keith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Keith?
Share a story where Keith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Keith you’ll never forget.
How did Keith make you smile?