Dr. Keith Robert Hansen of Appleton, WI died on June 12, 2024, the result of a glioblastoma. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 13, 1961, to Robert T. and Illa Mae Hansen. He is survived by Lori, his wife of nearly 38 years, of Appleton; his son Eric of Chicago, IL; his daughter Katy, of Hoffman Estates, IL; his mother Illa Mae of West Bend, WI; his sisters Pamela Hansen Ruben of Menomonee Falls, WI; Sharyn (Jim) Massung of Linwood, MI; and Jean Hansen of Kansas City, MO; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and longtime friends. He is preceded in death by his father Robert and his brother-in-law Jim Ruben.

Never one to settle, Keith's work and studies took him across the country. A 1979 graduate of Johnson Creek High School (WI), he earned a BA from Carroll College (WI) and an MA from Miami University (OH). He worked at three colleges in Connecticut and Indiana before returning to Ohio to earn his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. Subsequent professional opportunities led him to Kansas, Indiana (again), and Iowa. In 2016, he and Lori moved to Appleton to fulfill their decades-long dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. Together they ran the Franklin St. Inn Bed & Breakfast until early 2024. Keith took pride in greeting and ensuring the comfort of hundreds of guests, many of whom became friends. He sat on the board of the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.

An avid baseball fan, Keith played for his high school and college teams and participated in numerous recreational leagues, both as a player and an umpire. He caught every Milwaukee Brewers game in the 2024 season, even on his dying day. The son of a physical education teacher, he also played football, basketball, golf, volleyball, broomball, racquetball, and tennis (which, with herculean effort and the patience of Job, he taught his son). If that weren't enough, he also ran, swam and dove.

He never stopped toiling on home projects. He built decks, gardens, arbors, bedrooms, and even gnomehouses with his own two hands (and his family's varyingly willing hands too). Every piece of scrap wood lying on the curb presented an opportunity. Much to his wife's consternation, the pieces frequently jumped into his trunk and out into a pile in the garage. Many were doomed to remain in that pile, but many others were carved and nailed into beautiful home features. When the day's work was done, he loved nothing more than to crack open a beer, lay a few brats on the grill, and talk sports, business, education, or politics on the patio.

Though he seldom worked in a classroom, Keith was a consummate teacher. He relished helping young adults learn to be responsible for themselves and to identify their purpose in life. He counted Who Moved My Cheese?  and What Color Is Your Parachute? among his favorite titles. Keith excelled at turning everyday experiences into learning opportunities. Though his children sometimes chafed at these lessons, like when he quizzed them about major themes in movies as the credits rolled, they thrived as adults thanks to his careful instruction.

He even taught his teenage daughter to drive (also with herculean effort and the patience of Job). When his wife asked Keith how he could be so calm with her behind the wheel, he replied plainly, "I'm not afraid to die." His wife laughed, but it's not clear if he was joking. Keith contemplated and came to terms with his mortality years before his terminal diagnosis, openly discussing his wishes upon death with his family.  He always had a strong faith that God would call him home when the time was right and left matters in His hands.

Keith provided a model for a life well-lived. His spirit resides in the hearts of those he left behind.

Visitation will be Friday, June 21, 10:30 am – 12 pm at Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N. Oneida St., Appleton. A service will follow at 12 pm with Rev. Samuel Garbi officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Research Fund in support of brain cancer research.