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Mary A. Lorenz
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Keith Gary Kool

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CROFTON — Keith Gary Kool, 74, Crofton, died Dec. 17, 2020, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Visitation and a Vigil service were Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton.

Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 21 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial was at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton, with military rites by the Crofton American Legion Post #128.

Pallbearers were Donnie Paulsen, Daryl Paulsen, Jerry Kollars, Leon Wakely, Steve Wieseler and Randy Anderson.

Face masks and social distancing were required for the visitation and funeral. The funeral was also live streamed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton.

Keith Gary was born Aug. 10, 1946, near Crofton, to Aris Jack and Della Mae (Paulsen) Kool. He grew up in Crofton and attended elementary school there and graduated from Crofton High School in 1965. He was in the National Guard out of Springfield, S.D., and was later stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Keith worked for Mosaic Tile, Sioux City, Iowa, and then returned to Crofton in 1969, where he farmed with his father. Later on, he worked for Redlinger Plumbing, Yankton. He changed jobs and worked at the Yankton State Hospital for 10 years. Keith finished his employment career in Crofton, working for the Crofton Public School system. He came into his own working for the Crofton schools. His biggest joy

He came into his own working for the Crofton schools. His biggest joy was policing the students and making sure the football field had fresh paint and perfect grass.

Keith’s first marriage gave him two children, Kerri and Kent. He then married Karen Ann Crandall-Sudbeck Dec. 6, 1991, in Crofton,. Their marriage was blessed in the Catholic Church March 17, 2016.

Keith was a member of St. Rose of Lima and loved to golf. He was an avid Husker fan and later an SDSU football fan. Saturday’s were always meant for Husker football. Keith’s signature color of shirt was red and most often times sleeveless. He raised Palomino and Quarter horses. Keith “Koolie” enjoyed his dogs, Charlie, Duke and Nikki - and most likely Duke met Keith at heaven’s gate.

Keith is survived by his wife, Karen, Crofton; daughter, Kerri (Dustin) Konechne, Crofton; Kent Kool, Lincoln; four grandchildren, Tyrel Kool, Paul Konechne, Kaitlynn Kool and Emily Kool; three step children, Bonnie (Marty) Kramer, Hartington; Julie (Scott) Depledge, Hartington; Jeff Sudbeck, Yankton, S.D.; five step grandchildren; and five step greatgrandchildren.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; baby sister, Janice Kool; and two step daughters, Debbie Sudbeck and Annette Sudbeck.