Arthur Nicholas Keister & Pamela Sue Keister
Arthur Nicholas Keister, 60, and Pamela Sue Keister, 57, of rural Albion in Green Township, died Wednesday evening at State Roads 40 and 60 near Jones, Michigan, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Mr. Keister was born on December 1, 1947 in Wolf Lake, a son of Arthur L. and Betty (Brackney) Keister. He spent his formative years in Noble Township, and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1966. As a young man he served in Vietnam with the U. S. Army, and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Mrs. Keister was born on June 17, 1951 in Huntington, a daughter of Floyd and Waneta (Kennedy) Brown, and spent her formative years near Mount Etna. She graduated from Huntington North High School in 1969, earned her bachelor’s degree from Taylor University in 1973, and received her master’s degree from IPFW. As a young woman she was employed as an elementary teacher at the Wolf Lake Elementary School.
On February 5, 1977 the couple were married in Merriam, and lived all of their married lives in Noble County. In recent years they both operated a small produce farm in Green Township.
Mr. Keister had been employed at BAE Systems in Fort Wayne for 38 years, retiring from there in 2005. He was a member and deacon of the Merriam Christian Chapel, and was an AWANA leader. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing and playing basketball, and most especially loved his family, his church, and his Lord.
A member and deaconess of the Merriam Christian Chapel, Mrs. Keister was also a member of the church’s Sarah’s Circle, and was an AWANA leader. She enjoyed cooking, and most importantly loved her family, her church, and her Lord.
The couple are survived by their children Dr. Jennifer (Michael) Lortie of Kimmell, and David N. (Lindsay) Keister of Wolcottville.
Also surviving Mr. Keister are his parents Arthur L. and Betty Keister of Albion; a twin sister Jane (Harold) Weaver of Albion; a brother Dan (Mary) Keister of Albion; his in-laws Floyd and Waneta Brown of Warren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Keister is also survived by her parents Floyd and Waneta Brown of Warren; a sister Karen Brown of Roanoke; two brothers Terrill (Teresa) Brown of Pierceton, and Steve (Jayne) Brown of Cortland, Ohio; her in-laws Arthur L. and Betty Keister of Albion; and several nieces and nephews.
Joint funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Keister will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, August 26, at the Merriam Christian Chapel, with Pastor Terry L. Zolman, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church multi-purpose room on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Merriam Christian Chapel, 3985 South U. S. 33, Albion, IN 46701; or Gideon’s International, P. O. Box 863, Kendallville, IN 46755
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. and Mrs. Keister’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:14 am
Praying for your family.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 am
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
What a testimoney to their lives…even the last day they were about their fathers work comforting close friends…
Then the father said come home..
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am
Though we never knew the Keisters, my wife and I are closely associated in many ways with the Bethel College community. Please accept our condolensces on behalf of the entire Keister family, as well as the entire Bethel community who feel this loss very, very deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Andy and Nancie
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Still I am at a loss for words but will still offer my condolenses to the entire Keister family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Joe Kercheval and Family
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Your family is in all of our prayers at BAE Systems. We are deeply saddened by your loss. Art will be greatly missed by us all. Sincerely, Vicki
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 am
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to David and the rest of the family on the sudden passing of Mr. and Mrs. Keister. David the entire Bethel College family grieves with and is in prayer for you and your family. Your parents were wonderful, gracious people.
Steve and Terri Cramer
Bethel College
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:16 am
My sympathy to all of the family. I remember “Miss Brown” as my 4th grade teacher. She had just started teaching and was absolutely wonderful. One of our assignments was to tell her specifically how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I remember how funny she made it, because all of us left out important details. She made learning so much fun. To this day, I always write specific details when trying to relay important information. She was one of my favorite teachers.
Also, to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
WE ARE SO SORRY AND SADDEN TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF ART AND PAM AND WANT TO EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES. LEROY WORKED WITH ART AT BAE AND ALWAYS REMEMBERED HIM BRINGING IN HIS GARDEN PRODUCE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
LEROY AND DELORIS BOHNKE
August 24th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Dave,
It’s Clint, one of Coach K’s managers at Grace during your Bethel days. Man, my heart is broken as I’ve heard of what has happened bro… Your parents were amazing people from all I’ve read, and basically all the advice I can give right now is just keep leaning on Jesus, brother!
You’re in my thoughts and prayers bro!
-Clint
a.k.a. Clint Dawg
August 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
My brother was a man of convictions and integrity. He was that way from his youth. A man who feared God and shunned evil. Nick and Pam chose to lead a simple life. A life centered on their small farm, their family, and their church family at Merriam Christian Chapel. In this life they were truly happy.
Genesis 5:24
August 24th, 2008 at 11:23 am
A life well-lived leaves behind wonderful memories. The beautiful memories you’ve gathered thru the years are yours forever. keeping you all in thought and prayer.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
We are so heartbroken for the Keister family. What a huge loss for the family and church. However, what an amazing example and legacy they have left. We will continue in our prayers for all of you!
August 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Floyd & Waneta,
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
With deepest sympathy.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
David and Family-
I am so very sorry to hear of your parents passing. You were always a bright spot at Busco, My Son as a freshman always wanted to play Basketball with You, But U were a Senior and just never happened. You made such an impression on My son and so many others. Your parents raised you well. Your Mom always was there to help out with food and such. Hold there memories and there love close. They will always be with you. You and your family are in our prayers.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Nick and Pam were the best neighbors that anyone could ask for. If someone would ask where I lived, when I would tell them, they would say oh around the corner from the asparagas people. They were famous for that and the red rasberries. I had a bloodhound (Hank) and he would go visit them everyday and if he didn’t come home I always knew where I could find him. Their faith in God was strong and raised two wonderful children. They will be greatly missed and remembered forever. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Mike & Mitzi Earnhart
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Jen and David,
We were so sorry to hear about your parents’ deaths. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Your mom and dad were very special people and great examples of what Christians should be in this world.
Jon and Stephanie
Luke, Faith and Seth
August 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
we had never met the keisters but I am convinced there were no better people or parents after following and getting to know their son david keister thru busco, bethel and harlan days basketball as he competed against and with our son. the qualities I observe in david surely are a tribute to the keisters. the keister family has encountered a tremendous loss but will persist and carry on with great courage and faith.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
David,
So sorry for your loss. I only met your parents a few times but they were first class people. My family’s prayers are with you and yours.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
DR HANNI, DR WELSH, AND MYSELF SEND OUR SYMPATHY TO YOU AND DAVID. I KNOW YOU WILL MISS THEM GREATLY. THEY WERE GREAT PEOPLE.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Dave and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your parents were wonderful people – some of the nicest we’ve ever met! You are in our prayers.
Larry & Kris Fielstra
August 25th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’ve never met you, but I work with Cliff Pappe’s wife Kristina at Grace College. I cannot imagine what you are all going through right now, but please know that there are so many here who are praying for you during this time!
August 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
DEAR KAREN AND FAMILY,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. SO MANY QUESTIONS NEVER GET ANSWERED, AND LIFE GOES ON, EVEN THOUGH YOU FEEL LIKE YOURS HAS STOPPED. MY HEART HAS ACHED FOR YOU, AND I DO KNOW HOW MUCH IT HURTS TO LOSE A SISTER. I PRAY FOR YOUR STRENGTH DAILY…. THAT SOMEHOW YOU GET THROUGH THIS, AND YOU WILL EVEN THOUGH YOU FEEL THAT ALL YOUR STRENGH IS GONE. PLEASE KAREN, KNOW THAT I THINK OF YOU CONSTANTLY, AND ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT WORK ARE THERE FOR YOU ALWAYS.
MAY GOD KEEP YOU ALWAYS IN HIS ARMS,
CINDA SCHIPPER
August 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Dear David & family,
It was with tremendous sorrow that I heard of the sudden, unexpected loss of your parents. You have been in my thoughts since I heard the news and I will continue to pray for you and the rest of your family.
The Lord works in different ways and our lives our not our own…they’re His. He loves us and wants us to be with Him in Heaven, and that’s why I hope that despite our incredible loss, we will rejoice for their gain…and perhaps even be a tad bit jealous.
David, you’re a good man, a strong man, and a God-fearing man…I know you and the family will persevere with God’s help. You’ve made an impact in my life, which continues to this day, and although I may not be there to help you through this time of grief, I want you to know that I love you like a brother and will keep on praying for you and the rest of the family.
Take care and may the Lord be with you.
Your brother in Christ,
Jarod Zartman
2509 E. 750 S.
Macy, IN 46951
574-382-2304
j_rod_z_22@hotmail.com
August 25th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Jane, Dan and Families. How sad it is to loose someone who is so loved. I remember Nick as being a person of few words but always brought smiles to our faces. He was a kind and gentle “giant” back in the days when 6′ men were few and far between and one so kind that he was more interested in pleasing other than making a name for himself. Our class of 1966 would have had a large space no else could have filled. I remember watching the pride he always showed when his kids played sports. I’m sorry I never took the time to sit and talk to Pam and really get to know her. They were truly a blessing to this world. Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve & Sandi (Dazey) Lemish
August 25th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
David and family-
My prayers and thoughts are with you through this troubled time.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Uncle Floyd and Aunt Waneta I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure Pam and mom are having a nice chat.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Jennifer,Mike,Lindsay and David….Where do I begin? The loss of your mother and dad has left a terrible empty space in our family. We can only hold tight to our memories of two wonderful people. It was overwhelming to see the outpouring of people at the calling hours…such a testament to just how many, many people’s lives they touched…so quietly and unassumingly. Hold each other close and know that we are all here for you always.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
David,
As professional colleagues, both ReMetrix and SePRO were very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Jennifer, David, Mike, and Lindsay,
I am so sorry for you loss and was shocked when Mom and Dad called me. I wish I could have been there this past week to be with you all. I just want you to know they made an impact even here in Niger. I gave the quilted checkers and tic-tac-toe boards that your Mom sent as gifts to my closest friends in the village and they truely enjoy them. My best friend Aissa from my town and all of the other Volunteers send their condolences along with mine.