Keith J. Ongman
SPRINGFIELD - Keith J. Ongman, 37, of Springfield was diagnosed in August of 2011 with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct), a rare cancer with limited treatment. Keith, not one to abandon hope, pursued every option and fought against his disease with true dignity and strength. On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at St. John's Hospice, Keith found peace surrounded by those he loved so much. He was born August 15, 1975 in Berwyn, IL.
Surviving are his loving wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Ongman, whom he married on May 31, 2003; his amazing daughters that he adored, Emma and Chloe Ongman; his parents, Kathy and Tom Baker-Bowen of Pawnee and Keith and Linda Ongman, Sr. of Harvard, IL; brothers and sisters, Kelly (Michael) Boyd, Daniel Ongman, PFC Patrick Ongman, Deann (Scott) Twente and Kristen Bowen; mother and step-father-in-law, Greg and Kendra Langdon, brother-in-law, Garrett Nolan and sister-in-law, Wendi (Bill) Brincken, all of Springfield, maternal grandparents, Nadine Collaro and Robert Baker and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Keith was a lifelong, die-hard CUBS fan. He earned his Bachelors degree from Illinois College and worked as a consultant and tax preparer. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he owned and operated Ongman Financial Services and Affordable Tax & Accounting Service in Springfield. Working for himself provided Keith the benefit of being there for his girls and taking part in every aspect of their lives. Opinionated may be how some described him, but to Keith, he was just right. His quick wit, stinging sarcasm and one-of-a-kind humor, just like his smile, will be truly missed by all.
Keith's wish for a private family memorial service will be honored. On Saturday, October 27, from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM, a public celebration planned by Keith will be held in the reception hall at the Church of St Jude, 633 S. Walnut St., Rochester, IL 62563.
For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Keith's life, memorials may be directed to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 W. 1340 Suite #510, Salt Lake City, UT 84090 or visit www.cholangiocarcinoma.org to increase the awareness of and continue the fight against this disease.
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