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Loren Keim Obituary
Dr. Loren Kenneth Keim Sr, former Superintendent of Whitehall Coplay School District, passed away on August 3 after an unexpected illness. He left this world surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Geraldine Elaine (Lafey) Keim with whom he shared almost 49 years of marriage. Born on September 22 in 1940, he was the son of the late John Kenneth Keim and Louise (Reese) Keim and was raised in Whitehall with his two late brothers, Quentin (Sam) Keim, and Bartley Keim, and his two sisters Phyllis (Keim) Gutekunst and Adrienne (Keim) Boyer. He is survived by his wife and three children, Loren K Keim Jr, husband of Theresa (Hartman) Keim, Wendy L. Keim, and Michelle L (Keim) Martlock; and seven grandchildren, Bridgett, Caitlin, Logan, Kourtney, Alex, Killian and Arielle; and one grand grandchild, Arabelle. After honorably serving his country in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1962, he joined the armed forces for active duty when called. He later graduated with an BS in Education from Kutztown University, a Masters degree and PhD from Lehigh University. A school administrator for more than 35 years, working first in the Catasauqua School District and then in the Whitehall Coplay School District as Principal, Assistant Superintendent and retiring as Whitehall Coplay School Superintendent in 2001. Dr. Keim also opened Century 21 Keim with his wife, Geri, and son, Loren, in 1986, and continued as an Associate Broker and Broker-Appraiser after his retirement in 2004. His work in education was fueled by a commitment to help students of all ages strive to succeed. Upon his retirement, he began to enjoy quality family time with his wife touring the country and taking several trips to Disney World with the entire family. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by many as he touched the hearts of everyone he met and worked with. Dr. Keim was a lifetime member Fullerton Fire Company, a member of the Masonic affiliation Porter Lodge #284 F and AM, Lehigh consistory (32nd degree mason), and a member of St Johns U.C.C. of Fullerton. Services: Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, at 11 a.m. at St. Johns U.C.C. 575 Grape St. Whitehall. Call Wednesday, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Church. Contributions: May be made in his memory to: American Cancer Society Lehigh Valley Unit, 3893 Adler Pl., Bethlehem, PA 18017, and to St. Johns U.C.C. Church Endowment Fund, 18052.
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Memories and Condolences
for Loren Keim
Dale Wallace
July 31, 2019
Your contributions to the Lehigh Valley Real Estate community will be a lasting memorial to your life well lived. Thank you and Rest In Peace!
August 16, 2012
Dear Geri and family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the pasing of Loren. We grew up together in Whitehall and I cherish memories of times spent with him. He made a difference in the lives of so many and he will be greatly missed but warmly remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Curt Koch
jackie kaspern
August 10, 2012
Loren,
i was sad to hear, of your passing. you will be miss.
wendy gremling
August 10, 2012
Dad, on this day you are missed more than others because today marks the day you stopped being yourself, and began living for mom. 49 years ago today you pledged your love for her and your promise rang strong and true every day for all those years. You lived your life for others, giving constantly and asking for nothing in return. You lived for your family, providing us with wisdom and safety, giving us strength and courage. You never critisized, you complimented us and loved us unconditionally. A harsh word was never spoken towards mom and for this we, as your children, thank you. You provided us with a loving home. You nutured us, encouraged us, and showered us with love. Words cannot express how much we will miss you and the pain we feel knowing we will not see your smiling face again. the smile that woke us up every morning through out childhood. I love you dad. I miss you so much.
Derek Scholl
August 9, 2012
A final goodbye to my Uncle Loren. I love you more than I could express. You set such an example to me, and to the rest of the world. You were the greatest of men, and my wish is that everyone could have just a fraction of what you had. You really did have the best of all of us. I will always remember going out to dinner with you, Geri, and grandmom every single Thursday. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend all that time with you. Words can't express how much you will be missed. I love you. I miss you. Farewell. Rest In Peace Loren Keim. I love you with all my heart.
Tobey Schwartz
August 8, 2012
Loren Sr. was such a special person. He sincerely cared about people. His ability to appreciate and find enjoyment in even small things was refreshing. His unconditional love and his respect for Geri, his children and grandchildren is something most of us only strive for. He will be greatly missed.
50th H.S. Reunion-Month and Day Wrong
August 8, 2012
August 8, 2012
I've known the Keims in a professional capacity for many years and always enjoyed my interactions with them. Loren will be sadly missed. M.Fullman, RDH
Janice Keim
August 8, 2012
As kids, we always enjoyed our "Fullerton cousins"and as we grew, Loren was always such a gentle man and a family man. Always with a smile and a true interest in how you were doing, he will really be missed.
August 8, 2012
Dr Keim made a big, huge, giant difference in our son's life in WCSD -
His encouragement and kind words will always be remembered. He surely was the a very special person.
Mike and Lenore -- and David
Deanna Walliser
August 8, 2012
Dear Loren, You were such a wonderful person, I can not believe you will no longer be here. You will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers to all members of the family.
Lisa Luyben
August 7, 2012
Loren wasn't just my uncle,he was my 'Uncle Loren'.The family lost another big piece of it with his passing.He was the kind of man who would drop whatever he was doing if you needed him to.He will be greatly missed at picnics,Christmas eves,the times I would join them for dinner on Thursday nights and lets not forget cracking jokes and discussions of politics, trying to sway you even when you're on his side.We will miss him very much.He is now at peace with Bart,Sam,Kyle and my dad.Our thoughts and our love go out to my Aunt Gerry and the family
Loren honored at WHS 2008 Graduation
Don Charles
August 7, 2012
Loren and I were classmates since the second grade when my family moved to Fullerton. Although, I have lived out of state since 1962, through our class reunions I learned of many milestones in Loren's career in the Whitehall School District. I felt privileged to be present at the 2008 graduation ceremony (while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1958) when Principal James Davis paid tribute to Loren, praising him for his service to the school district and introducing him to the audience. All in our class were very proud of Loren.
Dale and Ted Wallace
August 7, 2012
To the entire Keim Family,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories and the strength G-d gives us to face this kind of loss be with you today and always. Time will heal a porttion of your loss and then the special times you all had together will keep Loren Sr alive in all of our memories. He was a true gentleman! and will be missed by all the people he has touched.
Sincerely, Dale and Ted Wallace
Lisa Underwood
August 7, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
claudette nia
August 7, 2012
Dear Geraldine and family,
Dr Keim was an incredible man. His love of learning and helping children and staff succeed was quite inspirational to me. As a teacher under his supervision, i appreciated the encouragement and support he always offered. I am saddened to hear of your loss.
May your faith carry you through the passages of your grief.
Claudette Nia former teacher at whitehall middle and high schools
August 7, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Keim family - I am so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Keim in 4th grade at Catasauqua and he was my favorite teacher. May God be with you all in yuor hour of healing.
Carole (Winch) Cardona
Keri & Michael Schlosser
August 7, 2012
Senior, I will miss listening to you read me the fox news or cnn banner as we chatted about what's cooking in the office ? I will miss our talks about tv shows we had in common and what we thought was going to happen. I will miss hearing your stories of when you grew up. And yes, I will miss the political talk too… You've always reminded me of my Opa in so many ways. You were like my office grandpa ? Neither of you can be replaced. You were an honorable man and there should be more men like you in this world. You were respected by so many. You would go to bat not just for your family but anyone that was close to you. You stood up for yourself and didn't let anyone take advantage of you but would also be the first person to offer the shirt off your back if needed. I am blessed and thankful to have been around you. I know you are up there, finally in peace and in no more pain, looking down on us. To the Keim family, my heart goes out to you all. Take peace in the memories and cherish them forever. No one can take those away from you. Love, Keri and Michael Schlosser
August 7, 2012
Dear Geri and Loren Jr., I was both shocked and saddened upon learning of the passing of Loren Sr. He was a great guy and while I had not spoken to him lately I do recall the long conversations we had when he was finishing up his Broker Courses prior to buying Century 21 Huber. He truly touched people ina very kind and supportive way. May he rest in peace.
Denny Scott
Dawn Smith
August 7, 2012
Dear Gerry, Loren Jr, and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Loren Sr at Century 21 Bill Huber, then worked for him at Century 21 Keim. He was the most caring, gentle person I have ever met. I had the privledge of seeing him about a year ago when I came into the office, it was so good to see him and to get to talk to him. He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kimberly Cramsey
August 7, 2012
I am bless to have known Loren for the time I have been with my company. He would brighten my office with his smile and never came in without saying hello. You will be missed and GOD is lucky to have you sitting on the right side of him while you watch over your family. God Bless you and your Family!
Mike Miller
August 7, 2012
Dear Geri, Loren, Wendy & Shelly and all the Children. Loren Sr. was a quite a man. He could teach, tell stories, let you know a great place to visit or a movie to see. I had the pleasure of Senior asking what's cooking Mike, not only in Real Estate but at many a large gathering at my home. He loved my parties and the food I grilled. I will never forget him and I'm going to keep that NA in the fridge just to remind me of him daily. Peace and Blessings to all.
Michele Grasso
August 7, 2012
Wendy and family, I hope that all the good memories of your father help you during this difficult time. Loving thoughts to you all.
Ed & Ladinna Hillanbrand
August 7, 2012
Loren & Family you are in our prayers & thoughts may God comfort your hearts & celebrate his life now that he with out Lord & Savior
Usha Patel
August 7, 2012
Dear Loren
Keeping you in our prayers for you and your family to have peace in your hearts and strengths in the coming days to continue focusing on your fathers Legacy of love and contribution to so many people's lives. Best Regards and many blessings from
Bob and Usha
Wendy Gordon Rodriguez
August 6, 2012
I want to refuse to believe that such a great man was ripped from this world too early. Yet I am thankful to God that I was blessed to have Sr. Touch my life. Xo God Bless you Geri , Loren and Theresa, Wendy, Shelly all the grad kids and great grand baby... For heaven has received the gift we had here on earth too short a time. No words to truely describe this man or the hurt I feel knowing how he shall be missed. Rip Loren and thank you for all you did for me n my children.
marianne bender
August 6, 2012
Wendy, thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.
Dale Kemmerer
August 6, 2012
Wishing you peace and comfort in these most difficult of times. Through Wendy I felt like I was a part of your family. Loren, you endless smile and wisdom will be dearly missed, but your beautiful memories will live with us forever. Rest in peace my friend with the knowing that the world is a better place because of you.
Geraldine Keim
August 6, 2012
My dearest Loren,
You were the wind beneath my wings. You were the love of my life, my heart, my very best friend. There has never been a more kinder, loving or more giving person anywhere ever. A friend in trouble was never a bother. There was never a problem too difficult to solve,and you were always there when needed. You will leave a hole in my heart and in my life. How does life go on without you in it? I love you. Geri
Christine Rocca
August 6, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Keim family - I am so sorry for the loss of Loren Sr. He was a such a genuine and and sincere man, of whom I was fortunate to work with over the past five or so years. I always enjoyed his stories about real estate and how much he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Roberta and Kent Haberern
August 6, 2012
To the Keim family I offer my sincere condolences. Your husband/father was the perfect type of person to work with children..and the greatest boss, too! We shall miss his smile.
August 6, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Keim family. Cathy Amant
Jeff Eichman
August 6, 2012
To the Keim family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. To Kim (confirmation class attendee with me), I am equally sorry for your loss for the loss of your dad. While it has been a while since I have spoken to Dr. Keim, I have find memories of those times. I regret I will miss the services, i will be out of town for a business trip.
Geraldine Keim
August 6, 2012
My Dearest Loren,
You were the wind beneath my wings. You have given me the strength and courage to fly. You have been the love of my life and my heart and you have been my very best friend. There has been no kinder, more loving nor more giving person than you have been to everyone. No problem was too difficult to solve; no friend in need went without help from you. Anyone in trouble was never a bother. Your sudden departure has left a hole in my life and in my heart that cannot be filled. Words cannot express it's depth. How does life go one without you in it? I love you. Your loving wife, Geri.
Donna DreisbachLaubSmith
August 6, 2012
I cannot remember a time when he didnt have a smile on his face while I was a student at WHS..Sorry for your loss.
Susan Caflin
August 6, 2012
To Loren and the whole Keim family,
My deepest sympathies. Dr. Keim certainly and positively impacted the whole area.
Loren, your words about your father were beautiful.
Special thoughts of all of you at this time.
Susan Caflin
Matthew Silfies
August 6, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the entire Keim family. Words can never take away the pain and sorrow you are feeling at this time, but be assured that your many memories will carry you through the roughest of days.
August 6, 2012
Loren and Family, My deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Dawn Warner
Betty & Jim Broadbent
August 6, 2012
Jim and I wish to express our sincerest sympathies to the entire Keim family. I am going to miss our Saturday morning chats and his corny jokes. He always had a willing ear and gave good advice whether I wanted it or not. He was a great man and it is so sad to see him leave us at such a young age.
Ruth (Wheeler) Schaadt
August 6, 2012
Gerry, I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you cope with your devastating loss. I have known Loren since we started first grade in Fullerton through graduation from Whitehall in 1958. It saddens my heart to lose a classmate. You will both be missed at our next reunion.
Jim & Pat Molinaro
August 6, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Keim family. We would often meet up up Loren and his wife at Country Buffet and always enjoyed chatting with them about families and traveling.
He will be missed.
Thomas A. Ortwein
August 6, 2012
Keim Family. I offer you my most sincere sympathy upon the death of Loren. While I was at Northampton SD I held a similar position as Loren did at Whitehall-Coplay SD. Thus we would share information with each other and see each other at meetings. Upon my retirement Loren asked me if I would be interested in subbing in the Principal's office until a Principal was hired. I got to see him frequently and most of our conversations centered around our earlier years in education. I enjoyed Loren's friendship, we could always find something to smile about. Distance does not allow me to attend his funeral. but I will remember him in my prayers. May he R.I.P.
Cathy Ruddell
August 6, 2012
Thank you Loren Sr. for being such a positive impact on my life. Working for the Keims' wasn't just a job, you always made me feel as if I was part of your family too. I was always invited to all your family picnics and parties, you made me feel as if I always belonged. You always had a smile, a silly joke and a unique way to brighten my day! Thank you so much for the great change you made in this world. Not just with me, but with all the lives your touched where ever you went. May God bless you always, for I know for sure you rest easy now after all the positive hard work you put in here on Earth. You're forever at the Right Hand of God now where you rightfully belong. Miss Geri: My prayers for you during this difficult time that you may lean on the loved ones around you to endure this great loss in your life. Many Hugs to you and God bless.
August 6, 2012
Dear Loren and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.
The Delhagen family - Emmaus
Helene Easterday
August 6, 2012
Dear Loren and Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I know the heartache in losing a Father and Mother. I remember Dr. Keim so well opening up Century 21 in the mid 80's. It was always a wonderful experience working with your office in any real estate transaction. He was a wonderful, kind man.And was always very patient with me. Please know I will be keeping all of you in my prayers and thoughts. To Wendy, Michele and Loren as the pain is so intense, do know that in time, the memories will overshadow your grief. I pray that your Mother can find the strength she needs from God and from all of her family. Always, Helene Easterday and husband Bob Henne
Michelle Miller
August 6, 2012
Loren, Theresa, Wendy & the whole Keim family.......Words can not express our sadness. Sr. was a wonderful, honorable man. He loved and cared for his family with an intense commitment. He was hardworking, determined and self sacrificing. He
stood up for what he believed in. His story telling ability made me smile more times than I can remember, no matter how rough a day was-there was always a bright side! I know I have been truly blessed knowing him.
Loren Keim (Jr)
August 6, 2012
My earliest memories are of how hard my father worked at several jobs while attempting to complete his doctorate, at times coming home covered from head to toe in black soot from one of his jobs. He drove buses, delivered milk, set dynamite charges and so much more. A treat was chili night when the family split a single bottle of Coke.
Please don't misunderstand me. We did not grow up poor. By the time I was in junior high, my father had completed his EdD and PhD and was Assistant Superintendent of a Whitehall, and we were living in a nice modest three bedroom split level on a quarter acre lot.
But I think he helped teach what could be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Hopefully, I've been able to apply that knowledge to positively impact some of those around me.
A couple quick stories about my father's time in real estate from my book "Life Lessons":
"On another occasion, in the middle of winter, my father, who was selling real estate part time with us, showed a large brick warehouse. The electric was off, and there was little light filtering through the dirty windows at the top of the building. Descending to the lower level of building, he and the buyers noticed that the ceiling appeared very low for warehouse space, and that the floor appeared to be a slick wet transparent tile of some sort, beneath which they could just barely make out a room filled with desks, chairs and filing cabinets. Only then did they realize that the lower level had flooded and frozen, and that they were standing six to eight feet off the floor on a sheet of ice. Needless to say, they made it out of the building quickly but very, very carefully.
That same year, on the afternoon before Christmas Eve, my father showed a vacant home in the slate belt of Pennsylvania which was full of mold and mildew. He and his two clients, who were considering buying the house as an investment, went down to the basement to check the heating system and look over the wiring, in the process of which the basement door slammed shut behind them and latched, locking them in the dark, with no way out. A significant amount of time later, during which they kicked and pounded on the door, they were finally released. But my father never forgot how close he'd come to spending a Christmas locked in a moldy basement with clients.
And, needless to say, he never let me forget, either."
And "He was showing a home close to the top of a small mountain in the Allentown area . As his buyers walked down the basement steps, they heard a gushing. The home was over 200 years old and had been built lower than an adjacent spring. Water seeped through the basement wall and cascaded down the interior basement wall into a French drain.
My father looked across at the flowing water in the damp dingy basement and said “Wow. Isn't that just beautiful.” The potential buyers looked up at him in surprise. “Picture this. The basement ceiling is high enough to finish. Build a semicircular planter or half brick wall around the water that's coming in. Focus some blue lights from the ceiling and create your own indoor waterfall. You'll be the talk of the area.” The buyers purchased the home and finished the basement. He was able to turn a negative into a positive."
Rest in Peace Dad. You were the best.
Liz & Joe Buesgen
August 6, 2012
Gerry and Family, When I think of Loren a smile comes to my face in that he always seemed to bubble with energy and enthusiasm when he approached and talked with such a great sense of humor and sincerity . Not to sound disrespectful but...God didn't make many like Loren but thankfully I was lucky to have worked for him and with him for many years. In your sadness but supported by the many great memories that he left behind that will never be lost. Our deepest sympathies to all.
Jo Ellen (Moll) Wexler
August 6, 2012
Dr. Keim was a wonderful man who I've known most of my life. I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of him.
Tracy Bortz
August 6, 2012
Gerry i am sorry for your loss, i was a student at Whitehall when he was Superintendent and he continued to be a great man after he retired, never hesitated to say hello when we saw him. i will miss him greatly
Sigafoos family
August 5, 2012
Loren and family, our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. With heart felt sympathy, the Sigafoos family
August 5, 2012
Gerry and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.Loren was a good friend and wonderful person.
Jean Burrows
Patrick Smith
August 5, 2012
Geri,Loren and Shelly,
My condolences on Loren Sr's passing. During my years in real estate I always enjoyed Loren's company and the easy wisdom/jokes he imparted to rookie realtors such as myself.
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