Keith J. Unnerstall

Keith J. Unnerstall, 70, of Washington, passed away on October 6, 2023. Keith, son of the late Elmer Unnerstall and Julia nee Obermark, was born on September 26, 1953 in Washington. He was a proud 1972 St. Francis Borgia High School graduate. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Bailey Technical School. On November 3, 1973, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Vossbrink at St. Francis Borgia Church. Keith and Jeanne, who would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, were blessed with three children, all raised in the Catholic faith they both loved. Keith was devout in his faith and served as an usher for many years at 7:00 AM Mass.

Keith's greatest joy in life was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He loved watching activities with which his grandchildren were involved and enjoyed many family vacations. He was happy to have any reason to get together with family and friends and was ready to help anyone or anything with a problem or a repair. He took advantage of any opportunity to play poker with his brothers, nephews, and friends. Keith had a great sense of humor and always had a story to tell. He shared his gifts of time, talent, and treasure with whoever needed help. Keith was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter. He spent numerous hours turning tomatoes into salsa, canning jelly from his blackberry picking, baiting fishing lines for his children and grandchildren, and then cleaning the fish for fish fries. He thoroughly enjoyed deer hunting with his brothers at the family farm. Keith was generous, giving many of his family members sticks of sausage and jerky he made with love. He enjoyed being outdoors, walking the fields and the Riverfront Trail.

Keith had a successful career with his cousin Tom Unnerstall, operating Unnerstall Tire. The two opened their doors in February 1978.  In 2019 Keith became the sole owner until 2022, when the business sold and he retired.  Keith enjoyed interacting with his customers, who meant the world to him.

Keith was involved with the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association, serving as president for two years, and was named  “Man of the Year” by the association in 1998, he was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member, Washington Elks Club, and many parish activities and fundraisers.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Julia; father-in-law, Robert Vossbrink; and brother-in-law, Duane Haddox.

Among his survivors are his wife Jeanne Unnerstall of Washington; three children, Andy Unnerstall of Washington, Kelly Burton and husband Andrew of Washington, and John Unnerstall and wife Megan of St. Louis; siblings, Joleene Unnerstall and special friend Norma of Washington, Gary Unnerstall and wife Karen of Washington, Jeanne Gegg and husband Bill of Washington, Kevin Unnerstall and wife Debbie of Washington, Richard Unnerstall and wife Berna of Washington, Tim Unnerstall and wife Lynne of Washington, and Kurt Unnerstall and wife Michelle of Washington; grandchildren, Taylor Unnerstall, Riley Rondot, Ernie Rondot, Nora Muckle, Annelise Unnerstall, Quinn Burton, Blakely Burton, Maverick Burton, Josie Unnerstall, and John Unnerstall Jr.; mother-in-law, Marcella Vossbrink of Washington; brothers and sisters-in-law, Connie Groff, Tom Unnerstall and wife Kathy, Carol Haddox, and Rob Vossbrink and wife Moira; loved ones and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 PM. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM. at St. Francis Borgia Church. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the American Epilepsy Society.

Keith will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched along the way.

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