Mr. Keith R. Brandstetter

Keith R. Brandstetter

Keith Brandstetter, age 68, of Sister Bay, formerly of Waterford, passed into the arms of his loving Savior on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee.

After graduating in 1972 from John Marshall High School, he completed his undergraduate studies in secondary science education at UWM, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Marian University, and his superintendent’s credential from UWM.

Keith dedicated his professional life to education. Students were his foremost priority. In 1978 he began his teaching and coaching career at Waterford High School. His passion for teaching and coaching led him to Mukwonago High School. He served as head boys’ basketball coach, leading the team to its first state tournament appearance in school history in 1990; his team members continued to be a part of his friendship circle to this day. Keith returned to Waterford High School as the assistant principal in 1994, and he served in that capacity until being appointed superintendent in 1999. Under his leadership Waterford High School attained a reputation for academic excellence. Considered to be a father figure by many, he treated each staff member as family. Keith retired from his position in 2019.

In addition to Keith’s love of education, his family occupied a central place in his heart. Nothing pleased him more than attending Annie’s activities and later his grandchildren’s games, meets, and music programs. He treasured time spent with family in Door County.

Early on, Keith was active in Boy Scouts, attaining an Eagle Scout rank. As an adult Keith enjoyed working for the Milwaukee Bucks summer camps, guiding many young men in their basketball pursuits.

Keith’s faith served as his compass. He was quick to accept others, fast to forgive, and treated all with grace and respect. May this be his legacy.

Keith’s family topped his list of priorities. He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of almost 37 years, Lou Ann (nee. Griffith), cherished daughter, his pride and joy Annie (Ben) Schmidt, and his four beloved grandchildren, Brock, Bryn, Bree, and Bryce Schmidt, who were his sparks of happiness and the twinkle in his eye. Keith is also survived by his sisters, Karen Foerg, and Kathy (Mark) Oostindie of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and brother, Kevin (Dina) Brandstetter of Milwaukee, niece and nephews, Autumn, Rob (Sarah), and Jonathan (fiancé Naomi) Oostindie. Further survived by cousins, friends, and his special Waterford High School family.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Jeanne (nee. LeMahieu) Brandstetter, mother-in-law Dorothy (Bayer) Griffith, father-in-law, Jim Griffith, and brother-in-law, Tom Foerg, as well as aunts and uncles.

Family members are invited to attend a private memorial service at Norway Lutheran Church’s Old Church on the Hill, 6321 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake, WI 53185 at 6 pm on Friday, June 3, 2022.

A Public Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in the large gym at Waterford Union High School, 611 W. Main Street, Waterford, WI 53185, from 9-11:45 am, followed by a memorial service 12:00 Noon officiated by Pastor Kristie Jaramillo of Norway Lutheran Church and Co-Officiated by Pastor Jim Honig from Shepard of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay, WI. A reception will follow in the school’s cafeteria.

If you wish, please consider a blood donation, a contribution to the Waterford High School Scholarship Fund, Norway Lutheran Church in Wind Lake, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, or the charity of your choice.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing team of doctors and nurses at Aurora Bay Care, Green Bay, as well as the phenomenal team of surgeons and skilled staff who served Keith at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee. A special thank you to Dr. Kress and Elizabeth, Keith’s nurse, and Chaplain Ruth for their skilled and empathetic treatment.

Well done, good and faithful servant.
Mealy Funeral Home
Waterford, Wisconsin
262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com