KEOTA—Keith Albert Wallerich, age 90, of Keota, died Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ottumwa.
Keith was born September 17, 1934, near Delta, to Homer and Irene (Dumont) Wallerich. He grew up in Keota and graduated from Keota High School in 1952. Keith served in the U.S. Army from 1957 until 1959, then served in the Army Reserves for a short time. On June 6, 1956, he married Jeanne Gingerich in Kinross. The couple lived in Wellman for a few years before moving to Keota in 1962, where Keith owned and operated Keith’s Radio and TV. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church, was past president of the Keota Community Club, past member of the Isaak Walton League, where he served as president and board member, served on the Keota Police Department where he was Chief of Police for five years and the Keota Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years.
Survivors include his wife: Jeanne of Keota; five children: Jeffrey (Debra) Wallerich of Iowa City, Kim Wallerich of Keota, Melanie Mabee of Marion, Kevin Wallerich of Keota and Michelle (Heath) McDonald of Keota; five grandchildren; two sisters: Susie Shaeffer of Des Moines and Barbara Soutter of Mitchelville and two brothers: Melvin Wallerich of Burlington and Ronnie Wallerich of Fairfax. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Rosemary Peiffer, Jeanine Hall, Rita Harnish and Linda Foret; three brothers: Russell Wallerich, Charles Wallerich and Ted Wallerich and son-in-law: David Mabee.
Per his wishes, Keith will be cremated. A celebration of life visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Burial was at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Joetown.
A memorial fund has been established for Good Samaritan Society Hospice. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Keith and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
