Keith Wander Obituary
Keith was born Sept. 23, 1962, in Cleveland, the son of Keith Wilbur Wander and Janet D. Wander.
"Codename: Honeypot" was first-time author Keith Wander's contemporary mystery novel published just this year.
Keith cherished his command as a U.S. Naval Reserve Captain attached to the Nimitz. He was dedicated to his work with Perot for Custom Chrome Co., and as a member of the Church on the Rock. He was active with his faith.
All ended suddenly in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 30, 2008, in Santa Cruz. From his birth on Sept. 23, 1962, Keith Roger Wander grew to accomplish high school at Anderson, Ind.; a BA degree from Ball State; and a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.
Early on he served as a Navy helicopter pilot. Those with whom he worked with appreciated his energy, enthusiasm, creativity and drive.
Keith is survived by his mother, Janet D. Wander of Suttons Bay; a brother, Greg N. (Melissa) Wander of Grand Blanc; one niece and two nephews; an aunt, Diane (Fred) Frost of Orlando; and two uncles, Paul Goldthorpe of Amherst, Ohio, and David (Carol) Goldthorpe of Herndon, Va.
Keith was predeceased by his father, Keith Wander; and his uncle, Roger Wander.
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Suttons Bay. Burial will follow at Suttons Bay Township Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, PO Box 206, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Northwest Michigan House of Hope, PO Box 5014, Traverse City, MI 49696.
Please share thoughts and memories with Keith's family on his blog, keithwander.spaces.live.com/guestbook/
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jessica Wynne
December 29, 2023
I´m just now having the chance to read his book Operation Honey Pot and support your thoughts, Janet D. Wander and Greg (Melissa) Wander. What a thriller that has so many truths that resonate to present day 2023! He helped me create this Christmas Album on iTunes, to which was used in the promotion of singing for House of Hope in Grand Rapids, Michigan; his change of command ceremony in Chicago, IL and injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan ! https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jessica-wynne/300802011
Jessica Wynne
December 29, 2023
Jessica Wynne
December 29, 2023
Jessica Wynne
December 29, 2023
Keith Roger Wander was my best friend and we shared four years as friends. He was the most amazing friend you could´ve had. He was a good-person, true to his word, honorable and loved by God. I, often, think he was too young to have passed and so deserving of all the love in the world. I pray for you Jan, Greg and all those with CROSS ministries. He loved his command, he loved his job and was looking forward to his upcoming promotion and loved his mother very much. May he and all his loved ones be blessed ten times over.
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Sandra L. Nelson
October 9, 2008
Dear Jan, Please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your son. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Remember me from the Calvary LC book discussion group.
Paula Schultz
September 29, 2008
Going to the Christian Bikers Rally this coming Saturday.(Oct.4, 2008) I know Keith will be there in spirit. He was the best "Road Captain " in the CROSS Motorcycle Ministries I could ever have. It has been hard riding these days without him in front of me, in the phyical, but my dear brother guides and protects all of us now,
"In The Wind".
Keith lead me to bring Christ back into my life!!! All those "Bike Nights"
I have such wonderful memories of Keith. God Bless
Nicholas Lunares
September 29, 2008
My little brother, Brother Roster, Capt. America, my weight lifting partner and my Patriot Guard riding brother, my CROSS brother, and my best friend. Call me anything you want you’d say, “Just don’t call me late for dinner”. Linda and I loved you so much. I’ve only now been able to sit and compose a small tribute for you bro. Your sudden departure had us all in a tail spin. The ach in my chest will eventually subside one day, but you’ll always be remembered and missed. Because we’ll meet in heaven again bro.
As I was riding behind you on that day, and replay the accident in my mind, I can now look back and see God’s divine plan unfold in the entire day’s time line. This is the only true source of comfort to be found for any of us. Knowing that our heavenly Father needed you with him more then we needed you here. Knowing that “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. Knowing that you heard Jesus say to you, “Enter good and faithful servant, into the joy of the Lord”.
We were able to spend that entire day with you little brother, riding, fellowshipping, and having a great time. The ladies were originally supposed to be with us, but again, divine providence had it planned differently. We all showed up solo. How cool was that.
It turned out to be just us five. Nothing like having a day to ride and fellowship with
your brothers.
You, Tommy, Gary, Jimmy and me. Later to be joined by Ronnie & Irene Sunseri. I’m so glad Ron & Irene decided to turn off at Santa Cruz. I couldn’t bare to think of little sister being there.
Now, my attitude is one of gratitude for God allowing me and Brother Tommy, Jimmy and Gary to be there to witness you keeping that divine appointment bro. It was far from that at the time, but because God said “It’s appointed unto man once to die, then the judgment”. We all could’ve kept that appointment on that day if it wasn’t for you bro. Linda believes that you laid the bike down to the left, even though we were negotiating a right turn, because you were our road captain, and you knew we were behind you and chose not to put us in danger.
She also believes that the lord raptured you right before impact. Both sound true, but I tend to lean toward the first one. Gods word says “ Greater love has no man, then that he lay down his life for his friend”.
That scripture describes you to a tee bro. Always there for everyone. Always willing to do whatever was needed. You became the little brother that I never had. Everywhere reminds me of you bro. At the gym. When Linda makes Posole for fight night fellowship. When I ride the chop. Or just sitting in my recliner facing the fireplace.
The sculpture we commissioned to have made by Brother Johnny & Shorty to be awarded for “Best Bike of 2008” sits right on the corner of the hearth, in front of the fire place. I still think you guys rigged that vote. LOL.
I look forward to being reunited with you my brother from another mother. You’re always in our thoughts. I’m a better man today for having you as a friend young Captain.
Keep the shinny side up bro.
Until my last KSU date little brother.
Stu Seashols CWO4 USN RET
September 23, 2008
To Keith's family,
Remember the good times, they are a comfort and a source for a smile and warm feelings.
We shared the bond of Navy service and of some personal times.
His autographed book is a treasure for me, as was his friendship.
Stuart Seashols
Vivian and Tom Woods
September 21, 2008
We will always remember our wonderful times with your family in Anderson when KR and Greg were just young boys. We are so very sorry to hear of KR's death. We know what a fine man he must have been and you must have been so very proud of him. Please know our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Irene Sunseri
September 19, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I knew Keith for 3 years and we shared so many great times together up until that last ride. He was so happy. I will truly never forget him or what he did for me and my family. My memories of him are my treasure. He was a big brother to me, I loved him and I miss him terribly. May God's peace be with you and comfort you.
Karen H
September 18, 2008
I share in your grief and find joy in memories. He was a Godly man of honor and integrity and will be greatly missed. He holds a special place in my heart as I truly loved him very much. God Bless you and your family.
Norma Norris
September 17, 2008
Dear Jan,
I am so sorry to learn of young Keith's death. I know how precious he was to you. Please know my love and prayers are with you and your family.
kevin alexander
September 16, 2008
I asked Keith one time to talk with my stepson who is studying IT at a local college and give him some pointers on the industry. I told him that I felt a little out of my comfort zone asking him for this and his response was "hey you are just being a dad". I never got a chance to tell him how much that meant to me.
Kevin Alexander
Patricia Burross
September 16, 2008
Keith was a great person and always willing to help in any fashion needed. He will be greatly missed. May God Bless you and yours. Just know he is the guest of honor at a party in Heaven that we can't even imagine.
Rinko Brown
September 16, 2008
Keith was most nice guy I never know. I miss him so much.
Dana Banderet
September 16, 2008
Keith was my friend and co-worker. We worked together for 5 years and most recently, in the same area, for the last few months. I truly miss him. We often discussed the topics in his new book, and also shared a love for Jesus Christ. Even now, I still find myself turning around to say something to him at work. He will be greatly missed. He had a huge impact on the lives of so many, including mine. See you in heaven soon Keith!
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