Timothy Keegstra's Obituary
Timothy Keegstra (70) died peacefully at his home in Columbus, OH on January 9 following a three year battle with brain cancer.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Tim married his wife Traci 48 years ago; they have three children, Aaron (Brian), Laura, and Katie (Joshua), and three grandchildren, Landon, Eleanor, and Emilia. He is also survived by his siblings William (Sandy), Jane, Piet (Patty), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Nancy Keegstra and sisters Dorothy Jo and Amy.
Tim dedicated his life to enriching his family’s lives in every way possible. He encouraged them to be independent and broaden their horizons with big moves, world travel, advanced studies, and building families of their own.
His love and support for friends and family often involved cooking and food and the holidays would always lead to long baking sessions of his legendary Christmas cookies for loved ones.
Professionally, he put his love for cooking and taking care of people to use as an executive in dining and food service at OSU for 32 years. He was particularly proud of his work developing new dining locations on campus and even had a sandwich named for him at the Ohio Union.
Despite his employer, he was a dedicated MSU Spartan who loved his home state and took every opportunity to support his alma mater’s sports teams.
He loved 60s and 70s music and in his last days still found comfort listening to the Beatles or watching his granddaughters dance to ELO.
He fought and outlasted his odds by over a year and his loss leaves us with an big hole, but also an example of strength, love, and dedication that we will use to move forward and make him proud.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
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