Keith E. Stenberg, age 50, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Keith was born on January 5, 1966 to Martin and Donna (Erickson) Stenberg in Merrill, WI. They both survive. He attended and graduated from Wausau West and continued his education in police science and nursing courses. Keith met and fell in love with JoAnna Utecht, and the two exchanged vows on August 30, 1986, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River. It was a union lasting for over 30 years. She survives. Keith enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, proudly serving his country for 20 years as a cook and a medic. He worked for many years at Green Bay Packaging in Wausau, where he was in the packaging and shipping department until he left due to illness. Previously, he had worked for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. Keith enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing on a beautiful day, or enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan. But most of all, he was a fan of watching his nephews play at their various sporting events. Keith loved the Woodchucks, especially the fact that his son, Luke, was the mascot! He also enjoyed an occasional camping trip with family or friends. When the weather was not so great, he could be found playing his video games. Keith especially enjoyed playing Pokemon Go! He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River.
You could not put Keith into words. He was an honorable man that would give anything he could to help another. Keith is remembered as the most giving and caring person you could ever meet. He would never judge anyone, just always try to help – he was everyone’s “White Knight”. Keith was considered a hero to his nephews. He children’s friends were always welcomed into his home and eventually, into his heart. Keith was a cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, caring brother and a friend to all. He will be sadly missed.
Keith is survived by his parents: Martin and Donna Stenberg of Merrill, grandmother: Beulah Erickson of Merrill, his wife of 30 years: JoAnna Stenberg of Merrill, children: Luke (girlfriend, Emmalea) Stenberg of Merrill and Anna (Ernst) Voigt of Merrill, grandchildren: Katorrina and Lee (with another grandchild on the way), brothers: Brian Stenberg of Merrill, David (Sarah) Stenberg of Merrill, Matthew (Charlotte) Stenberg of Irma, Victor Blood and Emery Blood, both of Merrill, sister: Dawn (Shawn) Weaver of Merrill and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles. He is further survived by many good friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by 2 grandfathers, 1 grandmother and his uncle: Mark
Erickson.
Funeral Services for Keith will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River. Pastor Gregory Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 4pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Monday, November 14, 2016 from 9am until the time of the service, at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Paul’s Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post #1638. In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations in Keith’s name be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Keith’s family wishes to thank the Aspirus Wausau Hospital staff for their care and compassion, Good Samaritan Emergency Room staff for their help, the Merrill Police Officers and EMT’s that assisted and the nice people that found Keith.