Keith Robert Gear

Keith Robert Gear, of Garret, Illinois, passed away on May 14th, 2024 with his sister Susie by his side.

Keith grew up in Butternut, WI. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. Keith is fondly remembered as the uncle who wouldn't hesitate to hand out a few bucks for Pioneer Days to his nieces, or let them hang out and watch him play Nintendo. After the passing of his mother in 2000, Keith lived a happy life on his own terms in Illinois. He will be sorely missed.

He had many different jobs throughout his life. He worked at the Veneer mill in Butternut and was a truck driver for Roehl, where he received awards for his perfect driving record.

Most notably, he proudly served in the Army for four years and will be buried in Danville National Cemetery with full military honors. Some of his ashes will also be interred in Butternut with his brother, Lyle, and the rest of his family. Keith had dogs for many years, and loved them like family.  He will also be buried with the ashes of Tag-a-long, the last dog he had.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ruth Gear, his paternal and maternal grandparents, sister Barbara Jean, brother Lyle, niece Nicole, nephews Lyle, Eric and Joseph, great niece Heather and his former brother-in-law Bob Graf, who he was great friends with.

He is survived by his brother, Lester (Debra) Gear of St. Francis, Wisconsin; his sister Susie Graf (Brian Delie) of Howard, Wisconsin and  his sister-in-law Belinda Gear of Roy, Utah. He is further survived by his nephew Lester Gear, niece Cynthia (John) Hying, nephew Nicholas Trujillo, niece Katie Graf (Keith Filipiak) and her children: Alex, Maddie and Fia, and his niece April (Steven) Verheyen and their children: Lincoln, Sydney and Gannon.

He is also survived by many extended family members who will always remember the wonderful times spent in Butternut.

The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to the staff at the Independence House and everyone at the VA Illiana Health Care System who cared for Keith.  He spoke often about the wonderful care that he was receiving.  We can’t thank them enough for how incredible they were to Keith and to the family as we visited and stayed with him.

A graveside service will be at noon, Friday, August 23, 2024 at Danville National Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post 210.

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