Obit: Keith, Alva I. (1932 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Concklin, Dunkel, Keith, Kelnhofer, Larson, Merkes

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 10/29/2015

Keith, Alva I. (Dunkel) (28 OCT 1932 - 15 OCT 2015)

Alva I. Keith, age 83, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital, Wisconsin Rapids.


Funeral Services were 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2015 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Richard Concklin officiated. Visitation was held at Ritchay Funeral Home on Monday from noon until the time of services. Entombment in Forest Hill Mausoleum.


Alva was born February 11, 1932 in Holway to George and Minnie (Larson) Dunkel.

She was a cook’s aide at Head Start in Wisconsin Rapids retiring in 1987. Alva enjoyed and had a gift of cooking, had a green thumb for flowers and gardening but her true passion was her family. She raised her children and grandchildren with her unconditional love and devotion. Her strength and kindness was admired by all who knew her and she always greeted you with a smile and a wave.


Alva is survived by four children, David (Patti) Keith of Nekoosa, Jodie Keith of Wisconsin Rapids, Debra Merkes of Colorado and Kevin (Scarlett) Keith of Wisconsin Rapids; brother, Vernon (Sandra) Dunkel of Rib Lake; sister, Judy Dunkel of Rib Lake; 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.


Alva was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Kelly; two brothers, Donald Dunkel and Kenneth Dunkel and two sisters, Mae Kelnhofer and Marjorie Kelnhofer.
“Alva’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of Arborwood Assisted Living for their exceptional care and compassion and wonderful memories of her residing there."