Keith Lenk

Keith Lenk of Pine River passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at age 75.

Keith was born on June 14, 1938 in Marysville, Mich. By turns clever and contrarian, he completed an undergraduate degree in fine arts at Michigan State University. He studied law at Wayne State University, but stopped short of taking the bar exam. His working career included time spent as a waiter, a teacher, a caregiver, co-owner of a deli, a bartender, and 32 years working for General Motors in Detroit. Perhaps a holdover from deli work, he often created lavish salads for family holidays.

Keith was a devoted caregiver for decades, from helping elderly friends to taking care of his mother and working in a group home. He was credited with saving the life of one of his friends; and family members will confirm that he enriched the lives who knew him.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Emma Lenk. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline (Lenk) Becker and Dr. Robert E. Becker, of Crosslake; four nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great nephew.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.

He will be deeply missed.