PETERSON — Keith Dwayne Strohman, 61, of Peterson, died unexpectedly Friday, September 18, 2026, leaving behind a family that remembers a hardworking man, devoted grandfather, outdoorsman and natural storyteller who rarely remained a stranger for long.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Geelan Funeral Home, 403 11th St. SE in Spencer. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at the funeral home with Andy Geelan serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery near Ayrshire.
Keith was born April 7, 1965, in Iowa City to Larry Lee and Mary Anna (Dickinson) Haffner. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1984 and went on to proudly serve in the Iowa Army National Guard.
Work was an important part of Keith’s life, and he took pride in providing for the people he loved.
For many years, he worked with concrete for DeLoss Construction before beginning a second career as a truck driver for State Steel.
Keith was also the kind of person who could strike up a conversation almost anywhere. His easygoing personality, willingness to visit and gift for talking with people meant acquaintances often became friends before long.
On September 9, 2012, Keith married Amy Kendall in their home, beginning another important chapter in his life.
Away from work, Keith found happiness in simple things.
He loved country music and old rock, tinkering with old trucks, grilling and spending time outdoors. Around the family, Keith proudly carried the unofficial title of “Grill Master,” and gatherings with him usually meant good food, conversation and plenty of laughter.
He was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan.
Travel gave Keith and Amy some of their favorite memories together.
They took a cruise to Alaska, and Keith was particularly excited to visit the National Redwood Forest, which had been at the top of his bucket list. Their adventures also included Glacier National Park, Mount Rainer and a trip home along historic Route 66.
Hunting and fishing were longtime passions Keith shared with his father and brothers.
One tradition he especially treasured was an annual fishing trip to Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, including time at Sweets Fishing, owned by his cousin. The fishing mattered, but so did the chance to spend uninterrupted time with family, tell stories and make memories together.
Nothing, however, topped Keith’s role as a grandfather.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy and knew him as the “fun grandpa.” Family joked that when Grandpa Keith was around, the grandchildren somehow always ended up with money.
Some of his happiest moments required no elaborate plans at all — relaxing beside the pool, laughing with the kids and grandkids and simply having his family gathered around him.
Keith was also known as the family fixer.
When something broke, there was often a “Keith way” to get it working again. He enjoyed using his hands, figuring out problems and helping someone else get through a job that needed doing.
Keith is survived by his wife, Amy Strohman; children Kayla (Skylaur) Konrady, Logan Hanson, Kyle Strohman, John (Lauren) Christopherson and Vannessa Dominguez; grandchildren Zoey, Arya, Dax, Kai, Aubree, Aaliyah, Luca, Lucien and Freyja; brothers Jeff (Sheila) Strohman and James (Tracy) Strohman; sisters Sue Sauter and Mary Christopherson; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Mary; sister Deborah England; brother Jim Strohman; and his beloved dog, Jewels.
Those wishing to learn more about Keith’s life or share a memory with his family may visit the official obituary for Keith Strohman through Geelan Funeral Home.
Keith will be remembered for working hard, talking easily with just about anyone, fixing things his own way, firing up the grill, cheering for the Packers, heading north for another fishing trip and making sure his grandchildren knew that life with Grandpa was supposed to be fun.
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