Date of Birth:
Tuesday, April 27, 1948
Date of Death:
Friday, October 22, 2010
Age:
62 years old

Keith Robert Seid

Keith Robert Seid, 62, of Rochester, MN died on October, 22, 2010 from complications of Multiple Sclerosis.  He had lived with the disease for 16 years and had been in ill health since January 2009.  He died peacefully at Sunrise Cottages where he had been a resident since April 2009. He lived his final months with courage and strength as the disease progressed.

Keith Robert Seid was born in Madison, SD on April 27, 1948 to Robert “Bud” and Esther (Corey) Seid.  He was the youngest of 3 sons, remaining close to his brothers his entire life. As a child, Keith moved often with his family and he lived in many different cities including Sioux Falls, SD, Flandreau, SD and Pipestone, MN.  Keith had many fond memories of his childhood and he felt very blessed being raised by his loving parents.

Keith graduated high school from Pipestone, MN.  After graduation, Keith enlisted in the Army and was a Vietnam Era Veteran. He was stationed in Germany for two years.  Keith was proud of his service and spoke often of his Army experiences.  After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, he returned to MN and graduated from Mankato State University where he received a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Psychology.

Keith later returned to college and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Viterbo University.  He enjoyed a 30 year career as a Registered Nurse, 26 of those years employed with the Mayo Clinic. He retired from Mayo Clinic in April 2008 due to ill health.  Keith had a very diverse interest in medicine, always wanting to gain experience in many different specialties.  Over the years he had worked in surgery, ICUs, psychiatry, neurology, research, emergency department trauma and as a flight nurse.

After returning from Germany and while still in college at Mankato State, Keith married Mary Lou Knudsen, whom he had known since high school.   Together they had three children, Brian, Jessica and Melissa.  Mary preceded him in death.  Keith later married Jane Elizabeth Heichel and together they had their son, Isaac. According to Keith, his life’s greatest joy was his family.  He found great happiness in being able to watch his children grow and to participate in all of their activities.  Although MS took Keith from us much sooner than expected, he was able to watch his three oldest children attend college, marry, and become happy, healthy adults. Sadly, he leaves his youngest child, Isaac, age 15, still at home.  The all too brief time Keith and Isaac had together will be cherished, leaving memories of special times together, such as their special outings and trips, enjoying sports together, and their shared love of music.  In recent years, the addition to the family of his two granddaughters, Gabrielle and Clara, were such a source of pride for “Grandpa.”

Keith will be remembered for his keen intellect, his interest in life-long learning, his gift as an artist, his wonderful sense of humor, his joy found traveling, and his hobby of collecting items from around the world.  Most importantly, he will be remembered for his deep commitment and love for his family.

Keith was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the MN Chapter of the MS Society.

Survivors include his spouse Jane (Heichel) Seid, children and their spouses, Brian and Ashley Seid, Parker, Colorado, Jessica and Seth Woodruff, Parker, Colorado, Melissa and Kody Parkison, Ridgway, Colorado and Isaac Seid, Rochester, MN.  Grandchildren Gabrielle Parkison and Clara Woodruff.  Brothers and sister-in-law Dean and Debbie Schultz, Gold Canyon, Arizona, Ronald Seid, Beaverton, Oregon. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law THadd and Kathy Heichel, Lakeville, Minnesota, Christopher and Michelle Heichel, North Mankato, Minnesota. Mother-in-law and Stepfather-in-law-Tom and Elta Knudson, Nieces and Nephews. And special canine companion, Cocoa.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary, father-in-law, Keith Heichel, parents and grandparents.

We celebrate Keith’s life and we cherish the legacy he leaves for us.  Keith taught us that life is not measured by the days we are granted, but by what we choose to do with the days we are given.  He will be missed.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the care of Keith received during his illness, especially from Mayo Hospice for their compassionate care.  Also, a deep felt thank you to the entire staff of Sunrise Cottages, for the professional and loving care given to Keith.  You brightened his days and lifted his burdens.

The funeral for Keith Robert Seid will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota with Pastor Karna Hagen officiating.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery East in Rochester.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.