Obituaries : Keith Earl Tatge

LUZERNE: Keith Earl Tatge, 78, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2015, at his home in Kingman, Arizona, after a brief but intense fight with cancer. Nine days prior to his passing, his beloved wife of 26 years Sally passed away. Keith was born on October 17, 1937, to Earl and Dorothy Tatge. After losing both parents in a car accident when he was 7 years old, he was raised in Webster City, Iowa, by Edward (A.C.) and Cenelia Wurch. Keith is survived by his brother Wayne (Betty) Tatge of Temple, Texas, and adopted sisters Judy (Duane) Seil of Farnhamville, Iowa, and Diane (Russell) Jensen of Humboldt, Iowa, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Keith graduated from high school in 1955 in Blairsburg, Iowa and at the age of 18 he began his life long career as a trucker until he retired in 2014. Keith and Beverly Merril married in 1956 they had two children Susan (Jon) Heupel of Waverly, Iowa, and Keith (Cheryl) of Brighton, Missouri. He and Connie Wright married in 1964 in Michigan and later moved to Utah were they raised their children Jill of Roy, Utah and Brian of Wixom, Michigan. Job opportunities took the family to Santa Maria, California, where Connie passed away from cancer in 1985. Into this extended family were born grandchildren Aubrey, Angela, Kari, Corey and Kayla. Keith married the love of his life Sally Marsh on June 11, 1989. As his trucking/scheduling partner for over 20 years, Sally "always made sure he had a load to haul" and traveled with him as she was able. Keith was a loving step-father to daughters Roberta (Robert) Greathouse and Cindy Marsh of California, and Grandpa to Kaitlin Greathouse.

In addition to being very active with trucking and traveling, Keith was an avid golfer, die-hard Denver Broncos fan, and a huge fan of "The Duke," John Wayne. He loved animals, especially his companion on the road min-pin BJ (Big Jake), several Miniature Schnauzers, cats, and fish. Keith was there to help plan the best road of travel, near or far, and that would get you there on time. After he retired, he planted a beautiful garden and explored his love of vegetable gardening, canning, and most of all cooking. He was always looking for and trying out new recipes. Memorial Services will be held April 23, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at the Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Iowa. A luncheon will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Luzerne Fire Station. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Joan & Diana Hospice House, 812 Airway Avenue, Kingman, AZ 86409.

Phillips Funeral Home - Keystone is in charge of arrangements.