Keith Kankel

Keith Kankel, 83, of Union, Michigan, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Greenleaf Health Campus. He was born May 24, 1942, in Davenport, Iowa, to James L. and Arlene Kankel. On Aug. 8, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, he married Judith Amsberg.

After graduating from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, he worked as a CPA for McGladrey, Hansen, Dunn and Co. He then joined Patrick Industries for 35 years as secretary-treasurer/chief financial officer. After retirement, he returned as interim president for a short time. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart, the Heart City Kiwanis where he held various offices. He was past chairman of the Porter Township Steering Committee and treasurer of the Baldwin Lake Association.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Judy; their children, Greg Kankel of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Todd Kankel of Union, Michigan, and Elizabeth (Andy) Lertola of Elkhart, Indiana; grandchildren, Alexandra (Bradey) Szekendy of Mishawaka, Indiana , Nick (Karington) Lertola of Osceola, Indiana, Shelby (Brian) Huss of Elkhart, Indiana, and Cody (Logan) Kankel of South Bend, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Baker Lertola, Reagan Szekendy and Elena Kankel; a sister, Doreen (Marty) Keller of Bettendorf, Iowa; and a brother, James (Mindy) Kankel of Bettendorf, Iowa.

Services for Keith will be at a later date. Cremains burial will be at Shavehead Cemetery, Jones, Michigan.

Memorials for Keith may be given to Faith Mission, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516 or Home Instead, 1450 Magnolia Ave, Elkhart, IN 46514 or Greenleaf Health Campus, 1201 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514, is assisting Keith's family. Online condolences at www.stemmlawson peterson.com.