Keith F. Kmiecik, 57, of Kenosha, died at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus on Monday, January 31, 2011. He was born on June 30, 1953, the son of the late Arthur & Caroline Kmiecik of Brookfield, WI. Keith attended Brookfield Central High School where he excelled in several sports. He proceeded to Carthage College, graduating in 1975. Following his marriage he moved to Albany, NY, to obtain his Masters in Criminal Justice and returned to Kenosha shortly thereafter. He became the director of Meridian House, Waybridge and Interventions, local alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facilities. He later became the director for a hospital based AODA facility in Fort Atkinson. He recently retired from counseling at Oakwood Clinic in Kenosha and ceased teaching his criminal justice classes at Gateway Tech and Carthage College. Keith thoroughly enjoyed his classic motorcycles, was an avid reader, an outdoorsman, a voracious scholar of history, particularly the American Civil War, and a long time pupil of Tae Kwon Do. He cared deeply about community service and was a dedicated member of his various congregations, the Lions Club, and other community based charities. But most of all Keith loved feats of athletics, especially those endeavors pertaining to either of his sons, Andrew and Matthew, or the Packers. This past summer he was exceptionally proud as Matthew followed in Andrew's footsteps and completed his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University. Although his life, and the lives of his family, changed tragically following his motorcycle accident on June 27, 2000, he remained a tenacious fighter, squeezing the most out of life and living to see his boys grow into men. Surviving are his sons, Andrew and Matthew, residing in Highland Park, IL; his mother, Caroline Kmiecik; and his brother, Ken (Magda) Kmiecik. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 20th, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with family at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Keith's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dawn L. Anderson and Randi L. Giesegh
February 23, 2011
We are saddened by the loss of Keith. My daughter and I had moved in across the hall at the same time as Keith did. We had instantly connected as friends. We had enjoyed many conversations and Keith had been very independent and a great influence on my daughter Randi Lee. She was 9 years old at the time we met Keith. He had taught her to play chess and they had spent many many hours doing so. When the other kids were playing outside, she would always ask me, "Can I go play chess with Keith?" I had been so impressed with the bond they had. Randi really enjoyed keeping Keith company, and she learned alot from Keith. Once she came home, devasted that 1 of the chess pieces had fallen and broke. Keith had not gotten upset with her at all and reassured her it was alright. Her only being 9, was hurt she had broken one of his treasured chess piece, but Keith made it OK and she continued to play, even with the broken chess piece. Keith could always make things alright to anyone he talked to. I myself loved to bake and make homemade soups. Keith was the first to always enjoy the many meals I had cooked. And he was very apprecciated for all that I really enjoyed making for him. Even Al got to sample many of my baked goodies I would bring. I had moved from Petrretti last May and we still kept in touch by phone. I had worked at Aurora and was there during the many times Keith was a patient, and made sure he had gotten everything he needed. Ken, I was very happy to meet you and enjoyed the many conversations we had also. Keith had just called me a couple of weeks before his passing, and I am truly greatfull I was able to talk to him, one last time. Thank you Ken for informing me. Randi and I are truly going to miss a truly remarkable and Loving friend. Take care, and Keith Rest in Peace, We Love You!
Lynne & Dick Schneider
February 20, 2011
Dear Ann, Andrew & Matthew—Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Andrew & Matthew, we know that it is difficult to say good-bye to a parent, especially at such a young age. Your memories will be a comfort and will help you cherish the years that you did have with your dad. May God grant you peace in knowing that he doesn't suffer any more and that he is with his Father in heaven. You are his legacy and his love will always be with you.
Jeanne
February 18, 2011
My condolences to the Kmiecik family. Keith endured so much in his life and still cared enough to counsel others. I had the pleasure of working with Keith at Oakwood Clinical. Keith was such a loving, caring man. He always liked to do as much as he could for himself, which showed he was a fighter. When visiting him at his apartment he allowed me to cook a few meals and we had some great talks. He even let me drive him in his van when he couldn't drive. Goes to show how trusting of a man he was too! None of what I did could ever be enough to repay him for his friendship and love. He was a man of courage and man with a sincere love for people. He is truly an angel watching over us.
Charles A January Jr
February 8, 2011
To Ann, Andrew & Matthew I love you guy with all of my life and you've always made me feel like family sorry Keith passed and I was not there to say goodbye I love you guys and if you ever need me just call. I did not always understand Keith actions but I know he loved you all...
Dave Smith
February 2, 2011
I was a probation officer with the State of Wisconsin in Kenosha for a number of years. I became close to Keith during this employment. I have nothing but warm memories of Keith and the times we spent together. We had so many interesting clients in common. Keith was just a great guy.