Keith M. Wangen, age 62, of Winona, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Keith Merlyn was born in Albert Lea to Raymond and Violet Wangen. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and attended Itasca Community College. He served in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne division “Screamin Eagles” during Vietnam. On June 20, 1970, he married Ellen Thisted in Albert Lea. They moved to Winona in August 1987, and he was employed at Technigraph Corp., Winona. He was a member of McKinley United Methodist Church, Winona and the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post No. 9, Winona.
Keith was an active endorser and mentor in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and in the various summer activities participated in by his nine grandchildren. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. Keith spent his summer vacations traveling throughout the region and state to each of his grandkids competitions in baseball, softball, soccer, football and bowling. When at home, Keith could be found watching the Twins or Vikings on TV or listening to his favorite music. Keith is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Keith is survived by his wife, Ellen, Winona; four children: Tim (Melissa) Wangen, Winona, Nicole (Steve) Denzer, Stewartville, Chad (Heather) Wangen, Stockton and Matthew Wangen, Winona; nine grandchildren: Marcus, Noah, Samantha, Haley, Tyler, Brandyn, Justyn, Harley and Hannah; his mother, Violet Wangen, Albert Lea; four brothers: Dean (Carolyn) Wangen, Albert Lea, Ronald (Judy) Wangen, Northwood, Iowa, Wayne Wangen, Albert Lea and Kim Wangen, Medford; and other relatives. 
He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Wangen.
Services to remember Keith will be at 2 p.m. on Monday at McKinley United Methodist Church, Winona, with Rev. Kathleen Zielinski officiating. Veteran military burial honors will be provided by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post No. 9, Winona.
There has been a private family visitation. Family will greet friends Monday beginning at 1 p.m. at McKinley United Methodist Church and will continue after the service in the church basement.
Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Winona.