Keith Thomas Wilhelm, 59, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away, Friday, March 28 2014, sitting up, wrapped
in the loving arms of his family.
Keith was born in Bowling Green, Ohio to the late Albert and Jean (Stafford) Wilhelm. He married his
great love Barbara (Sheldrick) Wilhelm on May 21, 1976 in Haskins, Ohio.
Along with his wife Barb, Keith is survived by his daughters: Shannon Wilhelm and Becci Moindi, of
Bowling Green, Ohio; Jamie (John) Pozy, of Lambertville, Michigan; his son Adam (Tracie) Wilhelm, of
Grand Rapids, Ohio; six grandchildren: Jacob, Marie, Matthew, Summer, Amber and Khloi; sisters: Judy
(Larry) Ickes and Beth (Ken) Grunden; brothers: Gary Wilhelm and Roger Wilhelm; and his close and loyal
friend, Kurt Jump. Along with his parents, Keith was preceded in death by a sister: Linda Wilhelm.
Keith enjoyed 30 years working the job of his dreams as a locomotive engineer for CSX. Because it was
against company policy, he especially loved sneaking his children, grandchildren and friends onto the
trains for those forbidden rides.
Playing euchre and the banter that came with it became a staple every week at the Wilhelm home. There was
always a fight between his brothers, nephews and son to fill the 4 coveted spots around the table. When
his children were in their teens Keith attended a Promise Keepers convention that changed his life
forever. He made a commitment to serve Christ and serve his family; a commitment he honored until the
day he left them to be with his heavenly father.
Keith and his wife were known for opening their home and arms to a myriad of lives during their 38 years
of marriage. The door was always open and the house was always full. Full of laughter and hearty meals
and unconditional love; full with friends, friends of children, and strangers on their way to becoming
friends.
Known as Papa, Keith particularly relished the role of being a grandfather. Spending time doting on them
all, from the oldest teen to the youngest babe, was always a priority. Even as his health and body were
failing him being on the floor to play and laugh with them solidified their bond and gave him immense
joy.
GO BUCKS!! To honor Keith and his love for Ohio State, the family is asking everyone to please wear their
finest team colors to his funeral service. It would give Keith satisfaction and a smile to see a roomful
of scarlet and gray, but if you must dig your trash out and wear maize and blue go right ahead. We will
welcome you too.
Visitation for Keith will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. in the DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL
HOME & CREMATORY, 1460 W. Wooster Street/P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402, Tele:
419-352-2171. Funeral Services for Keith will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the
DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME REMEMBRANCE CHAPEL. A Funeral Luncheon will immediately follow at the Bowling
Green Church of the Nazarene 15341 Gorrill Road, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Memorial Contributions in Keith’s honor may be given to the Bowling Green Montessori School Library Fund,
515 Sand Ridge Road, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with Keith’s family by visiting
www.hannemanfh.com
To
send flowers click here!