Obituary: Kevin Scott Keith

Kevin Scott Keith, loving husband, father, grandfather and dear friend, passed away  suddenly at the age of 73 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals  and Clinics.  

In celebration of his life, his family will hold a visitation on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from  4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 140 Gathering Place Lane, Iowa City,  Iowa. A funeral service will follow at the same location (St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa  City) on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. A private committal  service will be held at a later time.  

Kevin was born on May 2,1952 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Paul and Bonnie (Mitchell)  Keith. He received a BA in Business Administration and Sociology from Luther College in 1974,  and liked to say that his actual major was golf, given his love of the game as a member of the  Luther golf team. Kevin later received his MBA in 2004 from the University of Iowa Henry B.  Tippie School of Management.  

On June 12,1976, Kevin married Mary Jo Rosfjord in Gilman, Iowa and they settled in  Waterloo. Kevin’s career moved them five times across Iowa, culminating in Coralville where he  and Mary Jo retired. They were blessed with two daughters, Kristin and Katie.  

Kevin worked at Deere & Company for nearly 38 years. After six years as Manager,  Human Resources for the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Operations, Kevin retired in 2011 as  Manager, Human Resources for Deere & Company North America Operations.  

Following his work at Deere & Company, Kevin taught undergraduate and graduate  courses at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, where he retired in 2023 as an  Associate Professor of Practice. Kevin loved teaching and mentoring students, and in  2019-2020, he received the Faculty Advisor of the Year Award from the University of Iowa  Office of Student Life.  

His focus on philanthropy and purpose-driven leadership led to his service on  numerous boards, including Green State Credit Union, Cedar Valley United Way, Black Hawk  County YMCA, and the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Memberships included the  Society of Human Resource Management and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.  

Kevin had a lifelong passion for golf that began in grade school. His love for the Iowa  Hawkeyes and Chicago sports showed in his remarkable memory for sports data and historical  details. In retirement, he could often be found golfing at Finkbine, having an early morning  outing to Starbucks with his full roster of “coffee guys,” or cheering at the many sporting  events of his grandchildren. Kevin and Mary Jo began spending the winters in Naples, Florida  in recent years, enjoying the warm weather and avoiding the Iowa cold. Most important to  Kevin were his family and friends, and his favorite title was Poppy, the name given to him by his 

beloved grandchildren. He was an exceptionally dedicated and doting father and grandfather,  and was consistently the first to offer words of encouragement or lend a helping hand. A  steadfast and loyal presence in the lives of his family and many friends, Kevin was known for  his kindness, sense of humor, wisdom, and trustworthiness. He was classic in both his  personal style and way of moving through the world – focused on tradition and timelessness,  but always in service of those he loved. He was truly one of a kind, and will be deeply missed.  

Kevin is survived by his wife, Mary Jo and their daughters, Kristin Keith and Katie Volz  (Shane Volz); four grandchildren, Mitchell (“Mitch”) Volz, Trevor Volz, Adeline (“Addy”) Miller and  Henry Miller; his brother, Bruce Keith (Cecelia Keith); and brother-in-law, Steve Rosfjord.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bonnie Keith, his in-laws, Howard  and Barbara Rosfjord, and his brother-in-law, Merlin Rosfjord.  

Gifts honoring Kevin’s life may be directed to the Kevin and Mary Jo Keith Scholarship  Fund, which was established in 2014 in honor of Mary Jo’s mother, Barbara Rosfjord, and her  commitment to the nursing profession. This fund provides scholarships for students in the  University of Iowa College of Nursing:  

Kevin and Mary Jo Keith Scholarship in the University of Iowa College of Nursing  c/o The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA  52244-4450.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St.  Andrew Presbyterian Church, 140 Gathering Place Lane, Iowa City, IA 52246.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew  Presbyterian Church.  

Condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.