Keith Anderson Bagge

Keith Anderson Bagge, 80, of Hallsville, was called home to Jesus on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice House in Columbia. He passed peacefully after a courageous four-month battle with cancer.

Keith was born in 1945 in St. Louis, the son of Arthur and Harriet (Anderson) Bagge. When he was three years old, his family moved to Wilmette, Illinois, where Keith grew up as a Sea Scout and was active in intramural sports. He graduated from New Trier High School in 1963 and later returned to Missouri to attend Culver-Stockton College, earning a bachelor's degree in business economics in 1967. While in college, Keith earned a letter in cross country and was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. After college, Keith worked as a buyer for Marshall Field's in Chicago. Before his marriage, he accepted a position with Dow Jones, selling their Business and Financial News Wire Service.

On June 9, 1973-on what was famously the hottest day ever-Keith married Nancy Hinrichs at Salem United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, raising two daughters, welcoming two sons-in-law and three grandchildren, moving five times, and filling their lives with laughter. Keith had a dry wit and a love for dad jokes long before they were a thing. He never met a stranger and often walked away from conversations having made a new friend.

In addition to his wife, Keith is survived by his daughters, Dr. Courtney Bagge and her husband, Michael Wuertz, of Michigan, and Brittany Williamson and her husband, Scottie, of Missouri. He was a devoted and proud grandfather to Garet, Cooper, and Phinley. Keith is also survived by his beloved canine daughter, Charley, along with many cherished "grand puppies."

Keith was a man of faith and service. He was a member of Park Lane Church and previously served as a deacon at Glenview Community Church and as a youth leader in Oak Park, Illinois. His service with the Jaycees in Chicago was recognized by the Crusade of Mercy. He also generously volunteered at the Lighthouse for the Blind, where he helped blind children bowl-an experience that brought him great joy.

Keith loved traveling across the United States to watch his daughters compete in ice skating. While he was deeply involved in their skating, what made him most proud was their commitment to education. He took immense pride in their academic achievements and graduate education, speaking often of their dedication and accomplishments with unmistakable joy.

Keith also had a deep and genuine love for animals. He adored dogs and cats and seemed to know every one of them by name in each neighborhood where the family lived. He especially loved sitting outside, quietly watching the birds and squirrels, observing their habits and behaviors as if he had known them all his life. Those peaceful moments in nature brought him great contentment.

Many will remember Keith dining at Cracker Barrel, a place where he and his wife truly felt at home and were treated like family. Keith's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Cracker Barrel staff for their kindness and care, especially during his illness.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Keith's life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Park Lane Church, 11700 Route B, Hallsville, MO.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice House in
Columbia or Midwest Small Breed Rescue and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick
Funeral Home, 104 a S. Collier Street, Centralia, Missouri 65240