R. Whitmer

R. KEITH WHITMER

Cedar Rapids

R. Keith Whitmer, 82, of Cedar Rapids, completed his hospice journey at St. Luke's Hospital March 13, 2015. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. March 28 at Salem United Methodist Church. The Rev. John Louk will officiate. The family will greet friends preceding the service at the church. No inurnment will follow.

Surviving to honor his memory are his wife of 61 years, Barbara; three sons, James F. (Gayle) Whitmer of Barrington, Ill., Scott H. (Peggy) Whitmer of Champaign, Ill., and Douglas K. Whitmer of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Jonathan Whitmer (Erin) of Indianapolis, J. Tyler Whitmer of Chicago, Charles R. Whitmer of Chicago, Amanda (Andrew) Johnston of Chicago and Benjamin J. Whitmer of Highland Park, Ill.; a great-granddaughter, Sadie Marie Whitmer of Indianapolis; a sister, Greta Geiken of Vinton; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born in Cedar Rapids to James A. and Velma B. Whitmer, they and his older brother, Wayne M. Whitmer, preceded him in death.

Keith graduated from Franklin High School and later attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis and Coe College. He honorably served his country during the Korean conflict, being posted with the Army at Fort Sill, Okla., attaining the rank of sergeant before discharge.

Returning home he and his brother were partners in J.A. Whitmer and Sons Custom Builders, constructing many residential homes in the Cedar Rapids area. He later represented Pella Windows and Majestic Fireplaces. Recruited by American Standard as a district manager, Keith managed distributors representing Majestic Fireplaces across the state of Illinois. Lured away from American Standard, he worked as general manager for a developer/builder of luxury homes in the Champaign, Ill., area before relocating to West Palm Beach, Fla.

He served as a building inspector, then was elevated to the role of building official. Keith managed both the field and office staff for this growing municipality until his "official" retirement. Florida Power and Light then recruited Keith as its eminent domain specialist, working across southern Florida in its power delivery substation siting, finally retiring at the age of 70.

Very civic-minded, he served in many organizations: The National Home Builders Association, Neighborhood Housing Services of West Palm Beach, president of Saratoga Point Neighborhood Association, president of Village of Palm Beach Lakes board of directors and named to a Mayoral Blue Ribbon Reapportionment Task Force for West Palm Beach.

Always active in his church, Keith served on finance and building committees for many years and also in the role of trustee. Pursuing his final retirement, he and Barbara returned to Iowa 10 years ago.

He loved and took great pride in his family. Upon retirement, he continued his enjoyment in travel, golf, attending grandchildren's events, and yard work, driving his John Deere tractor.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to St. Luke's Hospice Foundation, 855 A Ave., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 or Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3715 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.