Obituary: Keith Elliott Wickert

Keith Elliott Wickert, 88, of Sister Bay, died March 28, 2018. He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on Aug. 13, 1929 to his parents Melba and Harlow Wickert. He was a graduate of Appleton High School and Carthage College. He met his first wife, Doris Kitz, while at college. They were married on July 23, 1952, and remained married for 49 wonderful years and had four children and seven grandchildren. They lived most of their married life in Appleton, but did retire to a summer home in Sister Bay. Doris died in 2001, leaving Keith alone until he met Bjorg Steinhorst whom he married in 2003. Their marriage was brief, due to Bjorg’s battle with cancer.

Keith was employed as treasurer of Automotive Supply Company for all of his working life until he chose to sell the business and enter retirement at the young age of 53. He may have been retired, but he never stopped giving back to the community through church activities, Kiwanis, the United Way, Meals on Wheels, Sister Bay, and many more agencies. In addition to service work, he was an avid sailor who captained the “Sailfish” through the waters of Lake Michigan and loved his home port of Ellison Bay. In the winter months he loved to ski. He also enjoyed hiking, and travelling all over the world. His photographs capture just a taste of his extensive travel log.

Keith is survived by his children Bruce Wickert of Baton Rouge, LA; Mark Wickert (Becki) of Colorado Springs, CO; Peter Wickert (Sue) of St. Paul, MN , and Elizabeth Allard (Gregory) of East Lyme, CT. He is survived by his grandchildren, Andy Wickert of Minneapolis, MN; Karen Wickert of Somerville, MA; Joshua Wickert of St. Paul, MN; David Wickert of Colorado Springs, CO; Paul Wickert of Wichita, KN; and Elliot and Daniel Allard of East Lyme, CT.

Thanks to care and support from Scandia and Unity Hospice. Thanks to friendship from Camilla Ross.

Keith’s celebration of life and memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11 am (10 am visitation) at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, in Ellison Bay, WI. He will be interred in Little Sister cemetery. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please give donations to Scandia Good Samaritan, Sister Bay in Keith’s honor.