Keith Schwartzkopf

Keith George Schwartzkopf of Bismarck, IL (1982-2015) and more recently Danville, IL born October 8, 1945 in Harvey, IL passed away peacefully January 7, 2017 surrounded by family and close friends. He is preceded by his parents George and Wilma (Spangler) Schwartzkopf and sister Gail Pelley of New Lenox, IL. He is survived by his sister Donna Wells of Chicago Heights, IL, wife Susan (Vance) Schwartzkopf, daughter Dee Kinsman (Eric Kinsman), son Brian Schwartzkopf (Amy Schwartzkopf) and son Jeff Schwartzkopf (Angie Schwartzkopf) along with his grandchildren Jaxson Lowderman-Kinsman, Taylor Kinsman, Evangeline Schwartzkopf, Hunter Murphy and Ainsley Schwartzkopf. Keith attended Thornton High school in Harvey, IL and joined the United States Air Force in 1962. He served his country during the Vietnam War as an Aircraft Mechanic and Crew Chief at McChord AFB in Washington where he maintained C-130, C-124, C-141 and C-5A aircraft. After the military Keith became a professional Millwright. He spent 34 years in the maintenance department at PepsiCo (formally Quaker Oats) in Danville, IL retiring in 2011. Keith loved his big country farmhouse in Bismarck. During the summer you could always find Keith on his John Deere mowing his grass, growing big tomato and zucchini plants, hosting summer cookouts and BBQing for his family and friends. His years of living in Bismarck also included leading Boy Scout troop #395 and coaching youth baseball and football teams. Family vacation trips to Wisconsin were always special times for Keith where he shared his love of the outdoors and fishing with his kids. In his younger years, he really enjoyed working on his cars and riding his motorcycle. More recent, Keith could be found sitting at the Vermilion County Airport with lottery tickets, paper and coffee in hand he purchased at Casey's reminiscing of his days in the air force and enjoying quietness of his own thoughts in hopes of seeing the P-51 Mustang. He had a strong relationship with God and loved his church family at Life Church in Danville. He diligently attended weekly services and participated in many church events including the men's breakfast on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Keith always looked forward to traveling and spending time with his wife Susan and close friends Cheri and Ray Huff. He enjoyed volunteering at the PepsiCo Breakfast in the Park program and was a passionate Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Keith possessed a deep love for his country and political discussion. Al Green was frequently found on his radio along with other 60's tunes. Completing the paper crossword puzzle was a daily activity he enjoyed along with drinking coffee with friends at Charlotte's. Keith was a man of high integrity who had a large love for his family and friends. He will be missed but left us to join his Heavenly Father where there are infinite fishing trips, crossword puzzles and winning lottery tickets.

Visitation Jan 11, 2017 Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Celebration of Life Jan 12, 2017 Thursday, 10:00 AM Life Church 2105 North Bowman Ave. Danville, il 61832 Final Resting Place Danville National Cemetery 1900 E. Main Street Danville, Illinois 61832