Keith Klein

Keith Raymond Klein, 63, of Roanoke, passed away at 10:16 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He was born February 7, 1958 in Peoria to Charles and Mary (Rechkemmer) who preceded him in death.

Keith was the type of guy that would help anyone.  He believed that anyone can succeed when offered the right support and modeled the teachings of Jesus by offering forgiveness and second chances to many people who surrounded him.  He was a great father, son, brother, neighbor and friend who was a source of advice for many.  Keith’s generosity knew few boundaries.  He cared for his grandparents and parents in their later years, became an adoptive father to Kordae, became dad to three other children who grew up in his house, and a foster dad to many others.  As a father, he never missed a sporting event, practice, school concert or parent teacher conference.

Keith was a lifelong member of the Roanoke United Methodist church where he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Methodist men.  He lived his Christian faith through his actions, by regularly attending church, encouraging his children to attend, and offering rides to other children who might otherwise not be able to attend.  His family is comforted in knowing that he has now joined his parents and his Savior in heaven and what a truly wonderful reunion that must have been.

He is survived by his children, Kordae Klein, Mathew Zeiler, Melissa Kessler and Casaundra Kessler; grandchildren Denny Brown III, whom he raised, Taran Kindred, Julissa and GiGi Stanley, two brothers, Kevin (Jaime) Klein of Murrayville, IL, Kent (Connie) Klein of Eureka; one sister, Annette Monge of Metamora; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was the plant manager at Wheelevator for many years and was currently employed at Bella Elevators as an inside sales person. He was the former Mayor of Roanoke, a long time Boy Scout leader, served many years on the Ambulance Squad and, in his younger years, in CD/ESDA along with his father and siblings.

Cremation was accorded.  Visitation will occur on June 21, 2021 from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Roanoke United Methodist Church immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service. Rev. Bob Herath will officiate. Knapp-Johnson-Harris funeral home in Roanoke is assisting the family with final arrangements.

An education fund has been set up for his son, Kordae Klein, at the MCB bank in Roanoke.  Cash donations or checks written to MCB directed toward this fund are appreciated.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.knappjohnsonharris.com.

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