Keith LaPorte

1954 - 2014

LaPorte, Keith A

Keith A. LaPorte, 60, of Rothschild died August 23, 2014 at Aspirus Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Keith was born January 25, 1954 in Wausau, WI to Arthur Jr. and Dorothy (Prey) LaPorte. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1972. He was united in marriage to Patricia O'Keefe on April 22, 1978. Keith worked at Woods Equipment Company (formerly Central Fabricators) for over 40 years.

Keith enjoyed being around people and had many friends. Keith drew people to him with the ability to tell a good story and by always having a joke ready to tell. He especially enjoyed being around his "extended family" at the 19th Hole. Besides his wife Patty, daughter Kerrie, his grandchildren, his entire family and group of friends, some of Keith's greatest passions were duck hunting, golf, and spending time at the "shack" in Boulder Junction.

Over the years he also enjoyed snowmobile racing, ice fishing, gardening, and deer hunting with the gang up north. He loved watching the Packers, Badgers, NASCAR racing, and golf. Whether it was shooting pool, playing cards, or playing golf with the guys on Sunday morning, you knew if Keith was your opponent you were in a competitive battle while still having fun doing it. Keith especially liked shooting in pool tournaments with his daughter Kerrie. They were a good team and won many tournaments together over the years.

Keith especially enjoyed duck hunting and the camaraderie that comes with spending time alongside friends in the duck blind. He enjoyed saving his spot in the weed bed each year as the "Captain of the sit-out boat." The spirit of the Captain will forever live on in the weed bed. Many toasts were made over the years to good friends and the times shared in the blind watching sunrises on the lake and anticipating the flights of northern ducks each fall. He devoted a great deal of time enjoying these activities and had many lifelong friends that shared them with him.

Keith is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patty, Rothschild; one daughter, Kerrie Ann (Jeff) Divjak, three grandchildren, Pele Ann, Ezekiel Armin Paul and Penelope Lee. He is further survived by his two brothers, Valgene and Mark LaPorte, two sisters, Barbara LaPorte (Buddy Stahl), and Janice (Tom) Przybylski, all of Schofield; three half-brothers and sisters, Skip (Mary) LaPorte, Arlyn (Bonnie) LaPorte, and Charmaine Bradley; Patty's mother, Margaret O'Keefe & siblings, Ronnie O'Keefe, Robert O'Keefe, Bill (Tara) O'Keefe, Jimmy (Martha) O'Keefe, Jerry O'Keefe, Darlene O'Keefe, Carol O'Keefe, Kathy O'Keefe and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome LaPorte, half-brother Ronny LaPorte, half-sister Tootie Kopp and niece Chansey Przybylski .

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home with a Service to start at 7:00pm. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jjbfh.com.