Keith was born in Gothenburg, Sweden to a teenage girl from Denmark and was put in an orphanage. When he was 15 months he came to a foster home, an elderly couple with two daughters. When he was seventeen he met his biological mother in Copenhagen.
He graduated from high school in Ulricehamn, Sweden and then from Technical College in Orebro, Sweden in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. In 1955 he emigrated to the USA and worked in the Automobile industry.
In 1961 he moved to Minneapolis where he designed tank trailers and railroad cars for Butler Mfg. In 1985 he started Solimar Pneumatics which now sells Keith’s inventions in 80 countries.
Preceded in death by his foster family, his mother Grethe Nissen and his first wife Karen Thoreson. Survived by his wife Karen Whitten, step children Lisa Bigaouette, Robert Donnett, Kimberly Buckmaster and sixteen grandchildren.
Keith was a gentle man, and very “social”. He loved Jesus and his life reflected that love. He was a generous philanthropist and often opened his home, heart and wallet to those less fortunate. Mentoring came naturally to Keith. He encouraged many young people to believe in themselves, to work hard & to be honest in their dealings. His entrepreneurial spirit was a guiding light for those he mentored. He was loved and cherished by many!
Memorial Service 12 Noon Saturday Sept. 28 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 502 Co Rd UU, Hudson with gathering 11 AM- 12 Noon . Services entrusted to O’Connell Funeral Home, Hudson.