Keith Lenard Lillich

Keith Lenard Lillich was born October 18, 1930 in a one-room house south of the Yuma, Colorado fairgrounds by a midwife to Theodore John Lillich and Lillie Louise Fredericka Geweke Lillich. He died September 23, 2017 at the hospital in Loveland, Colorado. 

He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yuma. He was baptized on November 9, 1930 and confirmed on April 2, 1944. His confirmation verse was “Commit thy way unto the Lord; Trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:5. 

Keith attended Yuma North School 1-2; Hammond Country School 3-6; St. John’s Lutheran School 7-8; and graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1948 as class valedictorian. He liked to say that his higher education was “on the job training.”

On January 11, 1953 Keith married Luella Mae Korf. To this union two sons were born: David Lee on September 27, 1955 and Kenneth Dean on December 10, 1957. Keith spent his entire married life on the family farm three miles north of Yuma.

Following high school Keith worked in construction for several years and also helped his uncles Gottlieb “Mike” Geweke and Fred Geweke in their farming and ranching business. Keith became the sole owner of the farm in 1970 and also rented farmland from Lillie’s cousin, Edwin “Tubby” Geweke. 

Keith ran a farming and cattle operation with dryland crops that included hay, wheat, corn, and proso millet. He had a great interest in soil conservation and progressive farming practices, which he passed on to his family. Keith remained active on the farm his entire life, although ill health slowed him down the last several years. He was an active member of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers for over 30 years and faithfully attended meetings in the Denver area. He was a staunch believer in the motto “Always Buy Colorado.” 

He proudly saw both sons and his grandson attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Keith liked to sing songs and tell jokes (sometimes they were funny) and spent many enjoyable hours playing pinochle, pitch, and other games with family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and built many items for the family using wood from oak tables he purchased at farm sales. Sports were a big part of his life and included bowling, softball, football, ping pong, and pool. Keith and Lu took several memorable trips including China, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and Hawaii.  

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; son Kenneth; daughter-in-law Peggy Lillich; and brother Laverne Lillich. He is survived by his wife, Lu of 64 years; son David; granddaughter Tara Lillich Edelen and husband Ricky; grandson Mason Lillich; sister Shirley Boughman; several nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service was held September 28, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yuma with Rev. Dennis FitzPatrick officiating followed by interment at the Yuma Cemetery. Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.