Keith Earl Benter

Keith Earl Benter age 67 of Fredericksburg, IA died Wednesday, December 11, 2025, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, IA.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Hillcrest Baptist & Brethren Church in Fredericksburg with Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Interment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Hillcrest Baptist & Brethren Church in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues one hour before services at the church in Fredericksburg on Saturday.

Keith Earl Benter, known by those close to him as “KB” or “Vern” passed away on December 11, 2025, at Community Memorial Hospital, at the age of 67. Born on June 20, 1958, in West Union, IA, the son of Leonard and Betty (Springer) Benter. Keith grew up with a heart full of joy and hands ready to build, fix, and create a life of meaning and love.

Keith was baptized and confirmed in the faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, IA, a testament to the Christian values that would guide him throughout his life. An alumnus of Oelwein High School, he graduated with the class of 1976, equipped with the knowledge and character that would shape his future.

Marriage united Keith with Denise Gage, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Jeanie and Kelly. Although their paths later diverged, Keith’s journey continued with love and dedication to his family. His professional life began on the family farm, but his industrious spirit led him to Shawver Well in Fredericksburg, where he committed over 25 years of service, earning the respect and friendship of many.

Life has a way of bringing people together, and for Keith, it was the simple act of visiting a cafe in Fredericksburg that introduced him to a waitress named Connie. Their love bloomed, and they married on September 19, 1992, on the Isenhower family farm. Connie’s children, Nick and Natalie, joined Keith’s family, and together they welcomed a son, Ben, completing their beautiful blended family.

Keith’s career continued to evolve as he joined Geerts Plumbing & Heating for a brief period before embarking on a fulfilling tenure at the Fredericksburg Co-op. Delivering LP to the community, Keith found joy in his work and took pride in serving countless people until his well-deserved retirement.

Music coursed through Keith’s veins starting at a young age playing drums at Oelwein Schools. This passion followed him into adulthood where he was a vibrant part of several bands, sharing his talent at local venues, bringing joy to audiences, and finding profound happiness in every performance.

A passionate biker, Keith’s love for the open road was epitomized by his cherished Harley Davidson. Adventures with Connie, family, and friends on bike trips were sources of great pleasure and lasting memories. The roar of the engine and the camaraderie of the road were the perfect accompaniments to his free spirit.

An annual pilgrimage to Canada for a week-long fishing trip became a cherished tradition for Keith, Nick, Ben, and Connie’s family. These excursions were not just about the thrill of the catch but also about the laughter, stories, and bonds that were strengthened with every cast.

Keith’s support for the Carolina Panthers was unwavering and enthusiastic. His devotion to his team was highlighted by a memorable trip to Charlotte with his son Ben to witness a home game, a day that stood out among his many happy memories as a fan.

On Friday nights in the summer, you could usually find Keith enjoying a high octane pastime driving a 2-man cruiser with racing partner, Joe Doubek. He and several other family members were staples at Fayette County Speedway and Echo Valley, where one fateful night Keith and Joe experienced a harrowing roll over that had the crowd in shock. Thankfully both came out unscathed.

Above all hobbies, his most cherished memories come from spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. On any given day, Keith could be caught in the recliner with a child on his lap, reading books for hours. Golf cart rides, pushes on the swing, and going to the park were things that the kids could count on when the weather was nice.

Handy, kind, and friendly—these words best encapsulate Keith Earl Benter. His ability to fix anything, be it big or small, was not just a practical skill but a metaphor for his approach to life’s challenges. Keith’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and the joy of a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Connie Benter of Fredericksburg, IA; five children, Jeanie (Heath) Porath of Sumner, IA, Nick (Shannan) Rieck of Humboldt, IA, Natalie (Tristan) Rempel of Kalona, IA, Kelly (Adam) Moeller of Cedar Falls, IA, and Ben (Desiree) Benter of Fredericksburg, IA; sixteen grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Judy) Benter of Sauk City, WI; three sisters, Diane (George) Franks of Ames, IA, Eileen (Paul) Fritz of Oelwein, IA, and Marcia (Joy Sievers) Hillman of Traer, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his mother-in-law, Sharon, a sister-in-law, Cori, and brother-in-law, Bill.