Gregory Henry Keltgen

April 1, 1940 - February 17, 2017

GREGORY HENRY KELTGEN Gregory Henry Keltgen, age 76 of Laurie, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Laurie Care Center. He was born April 1, 1940 in Hector, Minnesota to Henry J. and Luella A. (Laffen) Keltgen. Greg spent his childhood in Bird Island and Hector, Minnesota attending St. Mary’s and Hector Schools. He was confirmed and attended St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. In 1958 Greg graduated from Hector Public School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1958 to 1962. His military service was in Panama and on the ship, USS Luce. After being honorably discharged, he was employed at IBM in Minnesota and Colorado before moving to Missouri. On April 6, 1979 he was united in marriage to Crysta Kirk in Independence, Missouri. He was employed with the City of Independence Water Department until retirement in 2000. Together, Greg and Crysta made many trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, rarely missing a week-end over a twenty-one year span. Following retirement, they moved to the lake making it their permanent residence. While living at the lake, Greg enjoyed working outdoors mowing and clearing land for those building new homes. He was an avid NASCAR and Minnesota Viking and Gopher sports fan. He was a member of the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 in Laurie where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard. When health concerns became an issue, Greg and Crysta moved to Ashbury Heights at 299 Hwy RA, Laurie, Missouri. Crysta and Greg’s family will be forever grateful for special friends, Jack and Pam Scott, of Climax Springs, Missouri for their constant care, support and kindness. In addition to his wife, Crysta, Greg is survived by his brothers, James Keltgen (Carmen) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Charles Keltgen (Carla) of Hector, Minnesota; his one very special niece, Tasha Keltgen; and his 4 nephews, Jason Keltgen (Kathy), Curtis Keltgen, Derek Keltgen (Heather), and his namesake, Gregory Keltgen; and great-nephew, Escher Keltgen. Greg was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Charles Keltgen, Jr. A gathering and inurnment will be held in Hector, Minnesota at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Compassus of Osage Beach, Missouri or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Kiddwell-Garber Funeral Home of Laurie.