Keith Kreitzer

Keith Kreitzer, age 64, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend of Decorah, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 7, 2025, at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Stone Ridge Community Church, 1111 Montgomery Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Pastor Ed Krawzyk presiding. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Cresco, Iowa, following the service.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 East Water Street, Decorah, Iowa. There will be no visitation on Friday morning at the church. Please come in and be seated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the family farm, 3012 North Old Mill Road, Decorah, Iowa, following the service and burial.

Funeral Service will be livestreamed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyt9Gla8Vik 

Keith was born on June 26, 1961, in Decorah, Iowa, to Ronald and Marie (Gerleman) Kreitzer.

Keith graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa, in 1979. After a few early jobs, he found his calling on the open road and began a lifelong career as an owner-operator truck driver. With his strong work ethic and love for driving, Keith logged over a million miles behind the wheel—a true testament to his dedication and independence.

Along with his passion for trucking, Keith also loved farming, in which he spent many years working alongside his family, especially with his dad, brother, and sons. He really loved being in the tractor or combine late at night, where he could stare at the moon and scout the big bucks.

Keith met his wife, Brenda, and the two shared a love that was both deep and full of laughter. In true Keith fashion, he asked her to marry him in 2003 on top of the stopped Ferris wheel at the Cresco Fair. Brenda and Keith lived north of Decorah, but he always considered Ridgeway and Schley his home, and the people who frequented the social businesses there were like his family

Keith’s life was full of simple joys—hunting, riding motorcycles, and attending farm sales and auctions. One of the “happy “places in Keith’s life was the wood stove in the basement, where, with Coors Light wisdom, Keith would solve the world’s problems with Brenda and the boys and any friends or neighbors that were willing to listen.

For the past 20 years, you couldn’t go to the Mabel Steam Engine Days without seeing Keith and whoever was lucky enough to drive one of his tractors in the parade — it was always one of his favorite weekends of the year. But the biggest highlight came during deer hunting season, when he joined family and friends for days in the woods followed by evenings at the Juve garage, swapping stories about the hunt that somehow grew bigger and better as the night went on.

Yet his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. Keith had a natural ability to make people laugh and a gift for turning strangers into friends. He often said, “Get to know me,” and those who did were better for it.

Keith will be remembered for his warm heart, humor, and genuine spirit. His presence filled every room, and his laughter will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

Keith will be dearly missed, and yes, Keith Thank you for letting us “Get to know you”.

He is survived by his wife Brenda, children – David Kreitzer, Cresco, IA, Nate (Nicole) Farley Faribault, MN, Cory Farley – Nashville, TN, brother – Dale (Jean) Kreitzer, Cresco, IA, Mother-in-law – Lois Phillips, Brother and Sister-in Laws, Brad (Lori) Phillips, Bruce (Wanita) Phillips, Beth (Art) Perry and Brooke (Brent) Frana, Grandchildren - Macy, Isaiah, Bear and Natalie and Great Grandchildren Aidan, Amara and Elijah as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Marie, his sister Julie Kreitzer, and his Father-in-law Bernard Phillips.