John Kee Obituary

Name: Memorial service for John Kee
Start: 2023-11-09T17:30:00.000Z
Location: ThorpeWood

John R. Kee, 53, of Sparks, NV, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in the presence of family after a brief illness. Always ready with conversation and an easy smile, John embraced life. He was a naturally gifted teacher and taught math at Fred W. Traner Middle School in Reno where he was adored by "his kids" and colleagues. A lover of all kinds of sports, John was an avid soccer fan and supporter of both Arsenal in the English Premier League and the recently-dissolved Reno 1868 of the United Soccer League. He was healthy and active, having recently completed a 10K, but his true passions were skiing, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and just about any other activity that allowed him to be outdoors in the mountains, regardless of weather. John was also a lover of music and departed this world to the soundtrack of one of the constants of his life, The Grateful Dead.

John was born in Frederick, MD, and graduated from Middletown High School in 1988. In addition to Maryland, he lived in Colorado, Montana, and California before returning to Nevada, where he found his true home. John attended Truckee Meadows Community College before completing his B.S. in economics at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010, including a summer study abroad program at Imperial College London. At the time of his death, John was working towards a master's degree in teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Jack Kee, brother Mark Schaffert, nephew Matthew Schaffert, and his beloved huskies, Regal and Horizon. He is survived by five siblings: Larry Schaffert (Pam), Gary Schaffert, Bonnie Elliott (Ben), Mary Beth Lowry (Mike), and Joe Kee (Ann), along with numerous nieces and nephews, including three great-nieces and a great-nephew. John will be missed by countless friends, none more so than Mark Kingsbury, with whom he shared an unwavering brotherhood.

A memorial service will be held at the lodge at ThorpeWood, 12805-A Mink Farm Road, Thurmont, MD, on Thursday, November 9th at 5:30PM with a reception immediately following. Contributions in John's memory may be made to Fred W. Traner Middle School, 1700 Carville Drive, Reno, NV 89512 (please note "John Kee Memorial" on check), or to the Northern CA Sled Dog Rescue at www.norsled.org. John Kee

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Published by The Frederick News-Post from Sep. 29 to Sep. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kee

10 Entries

Lynn

April 28, 2025

When I first met him he was yelling so I thought my class with him was going to be hell. I was wrong he was an amazing guy. He had so many nick name for me one I preferred which is my 2nd middle name Lynn. He named me math monster, because I was good at math. I always had an A my worst grade was when I had a test grade missing. I miss him dearly and sometimes I wish I was with him maybe I would be happy, I am as lost as a lamb trying to find it's way home in a pitch black forest. I miss him and I know he is happy with me other then horrible behaviors lol!!!!!!!!

Hayleigh

November 25, 2024

He was like a family to me his last words were he was going to help me. He lived a very happy life. I wish him well and hopes he lives a great after life. I hope and wish that he never got treated like crap.

John Johnson

September 22, 2024

My last conversation with Mr.Kee was about me moving out of state as soon as that school day ended, I cried and gave him a hug and he told me to come back and visit after I graduated. I planned on doing so and sometimes I think back on that conversation. He really just wanted me to chase my goals he was never rude to anybody even the bad kids in the back of the class liked him. He kept me motivated in math and life in general, given he was so positive and optimistic and I wasn´t in the best of situations. He left a mark on me that will follow me for the rest of my life.

Hayleigh

June 24, 2024

You have been here all my life and I am lost and I ended up some where and I need you to talk with you. Life has been hard without you here Sthephanie and Stephanie say they miss you without you here I am not a someone I'm a no one, I'm invisible. Sometimes I wish I was with you.

Sthephanie

January 30, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Hayleigh

December 8, 2023

A memory is something we keep but we may not see or hug him. He may be with us forever. We love him. Bless his dear heart. He taught me in 6th grade last year. I will always remember him and cherish the love he gave us.

Kurt Kaufman

October 19, 2023

John, you were one the nicest people I met while attending SNU! You were always extremely helpful and incredibly insightful. The world lost truly one of the best teachers.

John Trevino

October 13, 2023

My deepest condolences to John´s family. John is missed. He was a caring and kind-hearted teacher and a dear friend. I cherish the time we had together. John was an amazing teacher but an even more amazing person. I miss my friend John. His light continues to shine. Sending love from Reno, NV.

Hayleigh Pooler

October 11, 2023

A memory we share. He spread his love day after day!

Jim Zimmer

September 29, 2023

Sincerest condolences on the passing of John. He was a student (as was Joe) in the 10th grade history classes that I taught at MHS. I enjoyed reading about his passions since leaving high school and am proud of his venture into the field of education. I am sure that he was a wonderful mentor to many students throughout his teaching career. I'm saddened by the passing of John and hope that good memories of times spent with family and friends will bring them comfort in the days ahead. RIP John.

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