Keith Ide

Born with a selfless heart, Keith Ide lived his life to the fullest. A lover of all people, he made every person he met feel special. He modeled for others compassion and a humble heart for others in need. His generosity, as well as his fun-loving personality, will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his close family and many special friends.

Reflecting on the year 1956, Rock and Roll music was sweeping the nation. Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time, with his current hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" which claimed the charts for eight straight weeks. That same year, Keith was born to Robert and Delores (Vereecken) Ide on March 18, 1956, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining his two older sisters, Susan and Peggy, his birth brought much joy and happiness into the family home.

Growing up, Keith learned the value of a hard day’s work from an early age. His father was a mechanic for Amway Corporation and his mother worked at the juvenile detention center. The family lived at 2655 Hufford NW where they made many lasting family memories. Most of their holidays were shared with extended family and visits to relative’s homes who lived nearby. Active in their faith, they attended Berean Baptist Church. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations. In the warm summer months, they enjoyed time at their summer vacation place in Lake Tahoe. A highlight of their many trips was a trip to Montreal, Canada for Expo 67. A favorite childhood activity was swimming. Any time he was near water his heart was happy. After attending Fairview Elementary School he later made his way to high school and proudly graduated from Kenowa Hills High School.

Keith made a success living at Irwin Seating Company in the upholstery division. While working at the company, he met Elise Ann Bennett. Hitting it off right from the start, they married in 1997 and took a honeymoon to Florida. Keith and Elise made their home at 1967 Mullins St. NW in town. Together they had three children; Elise’s son, Troy, and Keith’s two children, Jordan and Rachel, completed their family. As a family, they treasured their trips to North Carolina to visit Keith’s sister, Susan, and her husband, Mark. There simply wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for his kids. He offered them advice and supported them throughout their developing years as well as into adulthood. He couldn’t be prouder of their many shared successes! Always even-keeled, his children fondly remember his sense of humor and gentle kindness.

In addition to his work and family life, Keith enjoyed many special pastimes. He was an avid cook and loved to make Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, and grilled Shish KaBobs. When dining out, he preferred a wet burrito or a good burger. It was no surprise that Keith loved photography as well as he loved being around his family and snapping pics on trips and outings. He also loved watching airshows. The thrill of the stunts were always his favorite! A lover of classic rock, Keith jammed to the songs of the Moody Blues’-Nights in White Satin, Santana’s-The Game of Love, and Ambrosia’s-How Much I Feel. Most of all, Keith enjoyed being around people. He had endearing friends, Gene, Kathy, and Marilyn, as well as his best buddy, Joe. Gone too soon, Keith leaves behind many lasting memories for his special family and many close friends to savor for years to come. May they be comforted in knowing that he loved each and every one of them unconditionally.

Keith R. Ide, age 67, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, while in the company of his family. He was born in the spring of 1956, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Robert and Deloras Ide. Keith is preceded in death by his wife, Elise; father, Robert, and sister, Susan Brooke. Surviving are his daughter, Rachel (Xzavier) Wolgamuth; son, Jordan (Brianne) Ide and the mother of his children, Teresa as well as his mother, Deloras McDonald; sister, Peggy (Phil) Kruzel and grandchildren; Everly, Ezekiel, Elijah, Ezra, Stella, and Zion.

Please join Keith’s family during a memorial gathering to be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 1-3 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.