Keith James Vinge, age 56 of Ellsworth died unexpectedly Monday, May 16th 2022 at his residence following an acute medical condition. Keith was born on May 20, 1965 in Red Wing, Minnesota; the son of James and Beverly (Hoffman) Vinge. Keith graduated from Ellsworth High School as a member of the Class of 1983. He would further his schooling at the University of Wisconsin River Falls where he would receive his bachelor’s degree in Education. He would advance his knowledge by obtaining his master’s degree from St Mary’s University. If you were raised in Ellsworth, chances are you learned your algebra and math from Mr. Vinge. He loved math. He loved the challenge of a good math problem and finding the value of X! Outside of math, he loved coaching basketball, volleyball, and track. He believed in his students and pushed them to believe in themselves and bring their very best game for their team.

On August 23, 2008, Keith was united in marriage to Cindy Kosbab. Keith and Cindy exchanged vows at the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Keith thoroughly enjoyed watching sports, but basketball was his favorite. March Madness was his favorite time of year. Keith was a collector at heart and has a large collection of Michael Jordan and other sports memorabilia. He has signed basketballs, footballs, jerseys and quite possibly every Air Jordan tennis shoes ever made. Outside of teaching, and watching sports, he absolutely loved being a grandpa. He so enjoyed spending time with them as in his eyes, he was just a big kid himself.

Keith will remain in the hearts of his wife Cindy; step children Nicole Kosbab of Watertown, SD, Amy Kosbab of Glenwood City, Lisa Kosbab of Menomonie; step grandchildren Mason, Silas, Abel, Graham, Jonah; parents James and Beverly Vinge of Esdaile; sister Jill (Mike) Tharalson of Woodbury, MN and their children Steven and Erika.

A Celebration of Life for Keith Vinge, will be Sunday, May 22nd from 4pm to 7pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth. Keith’s family will have a private service and burial recognizing his Christian life. Burial will be in the Burnside Cemetery in Red Wing. Active casket bearers will be Mike Tharalson, Steven Tharalson, Christian Brinkman, David Brinkman, Greg Kier, and Larry Frye. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of Keith’s family. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth.