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February 11, 1954 March 21, 2023
February 11, 1954 -- March 21, 2023

Keith E. Winberg, Age:69

Keith Emanuel Winberg, age 69, of Chicago, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 with his wife by his side. Keith is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Kirsten (Dave) Andreson and daughter Stephanie (Dave) Polakowski; grandsons Abner, Abraham, Azariah, and Amos; grandpupper Bruce, the King. Also survived by his sister Linda (Ron) Rupnow. Keith is preceded in death by his parents Marland and Doris Winberg.

Keith was born February 11, 1954 in Waukesha, WI to Marland and Doris Winberg. Keith always said he had the “best childhood ever” in Oconomowoc, WI where he enjoyed playing at Lake Fowler and riding his bike the 5 mile loop around it. In the mid 1970’s, his work transferred him to Chicago where he met the loves of his life, Radio Dial 93WXRT, and his wife, Diane. For the next forty years, he worked as an Operations Manager in the high-reach equipment industry. Keith was respected as a great boss, who led with integrity and an incredible work ethic. He and Diane bought a corner brick Chicago bungalow in the Edison Park neighborhood, where they lived for 43 years. Every inch of the house was touched by Keith’s love and skill of woodworking and restoration. He made the mistake of once telling Diane that he loved to paint. Little did he know, in the years to come, he would end up painting every room of their home at least 6 times if not more. He always whistled along to his favorite tunes while working on his projects around the house. Keith loved a pint of Guinness or a glass of red wine. He saved every cork from every bottle they enjoyed to creatively reuse in a project.  At Christmas, you knew you were loved if you received a handmade trivet, birdhouse, or reindeer ornament constructed of corks.  For many, many years, Keith and Diane enjoyed their various 4 mile walking routes through the neighborhood. Keith loved showing off his red 1971 Triumph TR6 and enjoyed having monthly breakfasts with his car club friends.  Keith continued riding his bike as an adult; he loved rides along the Chicago lakefront, through the neighborhood and on bike trails. An avid reader, Keith enjoyed crime novels and the Chicago Tribune. Keith took joy in grilling for dinner, and he would often explain away the burnt crust on the meat as “flavor!” He especially loved sitting in his garden, listening to WXRT on his garage radio, as he said hello to all the neighbors passing by. Keith was a fixture in the neighborhood, welcoming every new family that moved in and providing advice or offering any help they could use.

One of the happiest moments of Keith’s life was the birth of his first grandson followed by three more. He loved spending time with Kirsten, Dave and his boys and made sure that they knew it. Keith loved going by Stephie and Dave’s home, just so he could spend time with Bruce and maybe help out with projects. In 2022, he was awarded the Driehaus Bungalow Award for his hard work on restoring the windows in their home. He loved helping his kids in any way he could; his family was everything to him. After he retired at the age of 63, Keith started volunteering weekly at the New Hope Community Food Pantry and delivering meals to homebound seniors through Norwood Crossing. He was an active member of the St. Juliana Men’s Club. He cherished the friendships he made through the Cancer Support Group at St. Juliana’s Parish.

A celebration of Keith’s life will take place at Olson Burke Sullivan Funeral home on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 4-8PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Juliana Catholic Church on Saturday, April 1 at 11:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Keith’s name can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, https://pancan.org/.

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Condolences

Pat Godek March 23, 2023

Friend & Neighbor Chicago , Illinois

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. I can't imagine walking past his house and not seeing him in his beautiful yard, sitting and having a glass of wine and listening to music. We are all better for knowing Keith. He was a kind, quiet, smart, loving and talented man. I will always treasure my cork trivet and cork birdhouse. It will be a beautiful reminder of Keith and that will always bring a smile to my face. Love, Patty & Paul Godek

Mike and Lynn Mitsui March 23, 2023

Neighbor Chicago , Illinois

Dear Diane and family, Our hearts are broken for you. Keith was such a wonderful guy. We know you will miss him terribly. We will always see both of you gardening together, or going off on a walk together. May God rest his weary soul and give you grace to walk through this most difficult time in your life. Love and prayers, The Mitsui's

Scott and Donna Sutcliffe March 23, 2023

Friends Chicago , Illinois

Diane and family, We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Scott and Donna Sutcliffe

Ron Rufo March 24, 2023

Car friend Chicago , Illinois

Keith, you were a good friend, with a great way about you. All of the guys will miss you at our breakfast meetings. Everyone sends their deepest condolences to your family. Rest in Peace.

Jim and Lee Winberg March 28, 2023

Cousin LITTLE CANADA , Minnesota

Dear Diane and Family, We were so sad to hear of Keith's passing and are sorry for your loss. We pray that your faith, family and friends will sustain you all as you grieve your loss of Keith. Love, Jim & Lee

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