Keith Alan Wiemelt, age 42, of Quincy IL was unexpectedly called home with Jesus on Monday evening July 18, 2022 when he was in a fatal car accident.
Keith was born on November 19, 1979 to Kirby and Janice (Leatherman) Wiemelt in Quincy, IL. Keith was a 1997 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School. Keith earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Education and Fine Arts from QU in 2001.
Keith married Bonnie C. Zanger, daughter of Michael A. and Linda (Reno) Zanger on November 14, 2009 at St. Francis Solanus Church in Quincy, IL. She and their three children, Emmett, Belle, and Gideon Wiemelt survive. Keith is survived by both of his parents and his grandmother, Bengta ‘Bink’ Wiemelt all of Quincy along with his sister Jennifer Ulam and her husband David of Geneseo, IL. Keith is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and Godchildren.
Keith was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Joseph G. Wiemelt, uncle Michael K. Wiemelt, maternal grandparents Eugene and Ruth Leatherman.
In his younger years, Keith worked for over a decade at the Plaza restaurant. Most recently, Keith was employed as a locksmith for A-1 Security and Lock Service. Most of Keith’s professional life was devoted to music. He was the Band Director of the Quincy Park Band. He also continued his private music lesson tutoring. In the past, Keith has served as the JWCC Band Director, QND High School Band Director and technology instructor, Quincy PMO Band Director, Mark Twain High School Band Director, Nauvoo-Colussa Music Teacher, Education and Fine Arts Director at the Salvation Army in Quincy, Salvation Army Band Director, and started a Youth Brass Band at the Salvation Army.
Keith was an active member in many organizations in Quincy and the surrounding area. Keith was a member of St. Francis Solanus Parish. He was a lector, an usher, a member of the Holy Name Association, and most recently served on the Parish Picnic Committee. Keith has been a member of the Quincy Park Band for years before becoming the Band director even as far back as high school when he would help set up the Showmobile with the park district before park band shows. Keith has played with the Heidelberg German Band for close to 20 years. Keith is a founding member of the 12th St. Brass Quintet and has played with the group for 20 years. Keith played in the Big River Swing Machine. Keith has been a Cub Scout leader and was the Cub Scoutmaster for Pack 22 in Quincy, IL. Keith was an active scout and earned his Eagle Scout Award. Keith participated in an Honor Flight with his father and had also played music for the returning veterans from their Honor Flights. Keith played with the Nauvoo Bagpipe Band, the local Band on a Bus, for the Muddy River Opera, and for the Quincy Community Theater productions. Keith was a recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Award and the Joe Bonansinga Music Award.
Keith was a hands-on, hard-working, humble, helpful, and responsible family man who was loved by so many. Keith always wore a big bright smile and had a positive outlook. Keith’s passions included his faith, his family, music, and service. Keith was a man of faith and was active in his church community. Keith loved his wife Bonnie and their children. His love of his family led many of the decisions in his life. Keith loved music – teaching it and performing it. Keith was a “can-do” kind of guy. He was always willing to lend a hand and volunteered in countless ways in his community.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the community and those who thought so highly of Keith for all of the support, prayers, kind words, food, and donations. We are humbled by your outpouring of love.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Solanus Church at 10 am. on Saturday, July 23, 2022. A visitation will be held the night before from 4-7 pm. on Friday, July 22, 2022 at St. Francis Solanus Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Keith’s children in the care of Bonnie. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com