Keith R. Vassau

VASSAU, Mr. Keith R.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Keith Roger Vassau, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, January 28, 2013 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born February 14, 1943 in Amery, WI a son of Howard and Luella Sylvester Vassau. Keith graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1965 and, shortly thereafter, began a long standing career with The Upjohn Company. In 1979 Keith was awarded the W.E. Upjohn Prize. After leaving Upjohn, Keith formed his own strategy formulation company, Beacon, LTD. Despite the fact that Keith was a longtime corporate executive and administrator; he never left his Wisconsin farm boy roots. He was a loyal Badger and Green Bay Packer fan and always spoke fondly of Northwestern Wisconsin and his days at the University, where he remained a loyal member of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. Keith was very active with numerous organizations including serving on the boards of the Plainwell Library, the Kalamazoo Nature Center and Goodwill Industries, where he remained a consultant until his death. He served seven years with the Guidance Clinic, volunteered with Ministry with Community, advocated and was a fundraiser for Girl Scouts of America, was active with Leadership Kalamazoo and a member of the Otsego Elks Club. Keith had a love for the earth and enjoyed watching things grow. He volunteered for years at the Kalamazoo volunteer gardens and became a Master Gardener through MSU Extension. For 32 consecutive years, Keith flew deep into Canada on fishing trips with his buddies, Krum, Casey and Bruce. Most recently, Keith enjoyed playing bridge with his friends on Fridays. Keith was preceded in death by his father. On May 19, 2007 Keith was united in marriage with the former JoAnn Smith, who survives. Also surviving are: his children, Aaron Vassau of Otsego, Brenda Vassau and Craig Vassau, both of Seattle, WA; three grandchildren, Jessica John Pintarelli, Jamie Vassau and A.J. Vassau; two great-grandchildren, Payton VanBrugen and London Pintarelli; JoAnn's daughter, Shelley Rex Hall of Kalamazoo; JoAnn's grandchildren, Avery Faye, Anna Leigh, Quinn Marie and Grant Patrick Hall; Keith's mother, Luella Vassau; a brother, Neil Eileen Vassau of Middleton, WI; a sister, Carolyn Bruce Kaupanger of Rice Lake, WI; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 11:00 Saturday morning at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3000 West Main Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006 with Pastor David H. Sidwell, officiating. Family and friends will gather following the service for a time of fellowship. Since there is no visitation, please, in lieu of flowers, make memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements were made by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St.