Keith Valentine Loeding — man of perseverance, man of faith, man of selfless service — completed his journey on Earth in the quiet, early morning of January 20, 2022. While his family members on this side of the veil tearfully said goodbye, crowds of others warmly welcomed him home on the other side. He spent his last night in mortality sleeping peacefully beside the love of his life, and waited until the moments after she was out of bed to slip away; indeed he was thoughtfully ensuring that his death not disrupt her sleep.

Keith was born in Rutledge, Minnesota, on February 14, 1933 to Gertrude Ann (Stack) and Wilbert Frederick Loeding. Though his childhood was difficult, it kindled in him an unparalleled work ethic, doggedness, resilience, resourcefulness and independence that defined his life. As a teenager, he commenced his service to the United States of America as an airman in the Korean War. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1971, but forever remained an exemplary Patriot. He reached the highest levels of success as a gunman, distinguished in both rifle and pistol shooting. Keith had a unique talent for working with his hands and understanding mechanics, so following his military career, he bought some books and trained himself to be a locksmith. He founded KV’s Security Systems, a successful business that he ran into his 80’s.

On December 17, 1960, Keith married Carole Ann Evans. This was, in his own words, his greatest life accomplishment next to joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which he did while living in Germany in 1963. Keith and Carole were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in a ceremony officiated by Apostle Harold B. Lee. Keith held Carole in the highest regard. Without doubt, she lived up to every admiring word he spoke of her as she patiently cared for him in the final months of his life. Keith held a deep conviction of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he lived his beliefs. He served in many capacities in the Church, including many years as a worker in the Jordan River Temple.

Keith and Carole raised two daughters, Cathy Ann and Kerry Lynne. Both women remember their father as being engaged, full of pranks, and willing to give of quite literally anything he had — whether it was time, talent, or worldly possession — to help another person. Over the years, Keith’s posterity has grown to include five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, including a great-grandson bearing his name born less than a month before he passed on. His grandchildren are unspeakably grateful to him for stepping up to be a father-figure in their lives, providing for them, supporting them, and setting the example of what a good man is. He will be remembered as balancing toughness and tenderness, facing challenges with grit, never missing an opportunity to make a joke, and giving generously every chance he got.

We love you, Sweetheart, Daddy, Grandpa. Thank you for the wonderful life you have given us and the faith you have instilled in us. We can’t wait to be with you again!

Keith is survived by his wife Carole Ann (Evans) Loeding, his daughters, Cathy Shumway and Kerry (Paul) Mehling, grandchildren Erica (Greg) Hone, Cari (Dave) Weidler, Colton Shumway, Talon (Cassidy) Shumway, and Gabbi (Colby) Larson, and eight great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 23 from 6-8 pm and a funeral service Monday, January 24 at 11 am with a viewing beforehand from 10-10:45 am. All services will be held at Larkin Mortuary Riverton at 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. Interment to follow at South Jordan City Cemetery, 10630 South 1055 West, South Jordan, Utah.