1951 - 2011 Minneapolis businessman, devoted husband, father and friend, Kenneth Keiser passed away peacefully at home on October 16th after a brief battle with cancer. He was 60. A self-made man from Petoskey, Michigan, Ken valued personal initiative and education. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge in 1973. Ken then attended Michigan State University from 1973 to 1977. While attending college at Michigan State, Ken was recruited by Pepsi which was the beginning of his successful career in the beverage industry. Known for keen intellect, drive and determination, Ken's talent and discipline took him to the pinnacle of success. He spent his entire 35-year career in the Pepsi business, progressing from Route Supervisor to President and Chief Operating Officer of PepsiAmericas, one of the world's largest Pepsi bottlers. He was a leader and a mentor with numerous business accomplishments. As head of worldwide operations for PepsiAmericas, Ken developed the company's growth strategy and increased revenues. During that time, PepsiAmericas consistently earned a spot on Forbes 400 Best Big Companies list. Ken was inducted into the Beverage Industry Hall of Fame in 2008. After retiring from PepsiAmericas in 2010, Ken returned to Michigan State to complete his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. While known for his work ethic, Ken was equally admired for his athletic skill and adventurous spirit. A lifelong runner and avid golfer, he completed several marathons and played in many golf tournaments. Ken was an expert skier who enjoyed grueling back-country ski trips with friends and annual ski trips with his family. But more than anything else, Ken was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with Sue, Amy, Chris and Mason traveling together and spending time at their home in Minnesota and cottage in Michigan - enjoying family dinners, campfires, boating and playtime. He is preceded in death by his son, Eric Albert; and he is survived by wife, Sue; their daughter, Amy; son-in-law, Chris; grandson, Mason; his father, Harold; mother, Dorothy; brothers, Denny (Kay) and Bill (Melissa); and sister, Kathy Kenroy (Dick); and many nieces and nephews. We mourn the loss of a great man who showed us that drive, determination, compassion and devotion to family can all live together. Visitation from 5:00 - 8:00 pm with a vigil service at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 19th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata, MN 55391. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 20th, 11:00 am at St. Bartholomew's with visitation one hour prior at the church. Ken will be buried in his hometown of Petoskey, Michigan following a liturgy on Saturday, October 22nd. One of Ken's wishes was to grow his family foundation which supports local charities close to our heart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keiser Family Foundation. Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel Plymouth 763.553.1411
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