Keith A. Chuipek

Keith A. Chuipek (Nov 13, 1953 – April 16, 2022)

Keith Alan Chuipek passed away on April 16th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in Tampa, Florida. He died of sudden complications from bile duct cancer and bravely battled until his last breath. He was 68.

Keith was a husband, son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, son-in-law, and brother-in-law.  Keith was born on November 13th, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Elk Grove High School in Illinois and the University of Dubuque in Iowa on a football scholarship. After working at UPS in various jobs for 20 years, he felt a strong, urgent desire to change careers. He followed his heart and found his calling and true love—helping kids. Keith became a longtime PE teacher and coach, touching the lives of countless children as a mentor and role model. He taught at Neubert Elementary School in Algonquin, Illinois and coached boys’ basketball and football, and girls’ softball at Jacobs High School in Algonquin. He also coached boys’ varsity basketball at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, guiding the team to their first conference championship in many years. While teaching and coaching, he went back to school and got his master’s degree from Aurora University.

Keith married the love of his life, Kim Lothery, in 1981. They spent the last few years of their happy 40-year union in retirement, splitting their time between Wisconsin and Florida, with side trips to Illinois to see family. Keith was a family man through and through, unselfish and always supportive. One of the great joys of his life was the simple, enduring pleasure of watching his children and grandchildren grow up and play sports. Keith was a bit of a sports nut. He faithfully followed the Chicago Bears, celebrating them and grousing about them in equal measure. He was also a fan of the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. One of the things he always said about Kim was how lucky he was to have found a life partner who enjoyed sports as much—if not more—as he did. And more than anything, he wanted people to remember how much he made her laugh.

Golfing and bike riding were among Keith’s dearest hobbies. He and Kim loved to travel—they cherished the time they spent in Hilton Head, his favorite place on earth. He was also an avid gardener, and boy oh boy, did he love to cook. Some of his recipes will remain secrets forever. No matter what the food, it usually paired perfectly with a Coors Light, twist off or bust. Another passion was hanging out with his best friend, his beloved Labrador, Rookie.

Keith is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Chuipek, his sister Sharon Mantis (George) and sister-in-law Jody Lothery. He is survived by his wife Kim; children Shawn Chuipek (Joann), Heather Bzdusek (John Jr.), Heidi Holthouse (Ryan), Drew Chuipek (Briana), and Taylor Aureden (Brian); and grandchildren Zoe and Dimitri Chuipek, Morgan, Jake, and Dani Bzdusek, Jaxson and Austin Holthouse, and Trent and Atticus Aureden, mother Joan Chuipek; siblings Lyn Kolbusz (Bill), Craig Chuipek (Trish), Mark Chuipek (Mary), and Carol Frederick (Brian); in-laws Cliff and Dona Lothery; brother-in-law Todd Lothery (Kay Wiles), and brother-in- law Scott Lothery (Cindy). Fond uncle to nieces, nephews, and loved by many other family and friends.

Details will follow regarding a celebration of life in Illinois, Summer 2022.

13 Responses

  1. Kim, I regret that we did not reconnect until just recently and I missed this treasured man of yours Keith. My deepest sympathies and prayers fro you and your wonder family. Many blessings.

  2. So very sorry Heather and family. He sounds like a wonderful man. Cherish your memories. ❤️

  3. To all those who loved him, please accept my condolences for you loss. I am stunned and saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. He was far too young to be taken so soon. I will always remember how I felt the day I met him, the moment he spoke his first sentence in my office. I was surprised and delighted by his energy and enthusiasm! He was applying for a teaching job at Neubert and it was his interview with me, before he interviewed with a team. He came into my office with a sparkle in his eye and very persuasive and convincing comments about why I should hire a 40 year old man in the middle of a career change to be my gym teacher! I never regretted that decision. He was loved by all the kids and would do whatever needed to be done, whenever I asked, even if he wasn’t totally excited about it. I’ll never forget the times I depended upon him to be “the man” when there was a seriously challenging incident – and I knew I could depend upon him. I’m grateful to have had him on staff (even knowing I was not his favorite!) but then again, I was “the boss” as he so called me, much to my dislike. He and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but he was “a good soldier,” a good teacher, and a good man. I’ll remember that twinkle and smile more than anything. May he Rest In Peace, and for those who loved him, may all your best memories bring you some comfort now, and cradle your hearts forever.

  4. My heart is broken for all of you. I knew Keith from Neubert. I will always remember how he came across so tough, but was really such a softie who loved all of the kids. He was amazing with them. Prayers for your healing. I just can’t believe he was taken so soon.

  5. Was so sorry to hear yo Keith’s passing it had been a rough year for both of us . My thoughts are with you and your family.

  6. I love this tribute ! We’ll done Kim ! I love you !! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily . May Keith Rest In Peace. 💜💜💜

  7. I am so sorry for the families loss. Tho I did not know him well when I did see him he was a very gracious and friendly man. I sure he will be sorely missed by everyone. May he rest in peace. God bless the family during this very sad time.

  8. Kim,
    Keith was one of my first basketball teammates at Dempster Jr. High. I was the only scrawny 6th grader on the 7th grade team and I can remember always looking up to him. He was a leader even as a 7th grade kid. It was an honor to compete against Keith in Football and Basketball in high school. He was tough but always competed respectfully and honorably. Many years later we end up running into each other again as high school basketball coach’s in the same conference…our sons ended up competing against each other on the the hardwood just as Keith and I did. Please know that you and Keith and your entire family are in my prayers and I will always hold his memory in the highest regard.

    God Bless you,
    Remain strong and in HIs Grip.

  9. I been thinking about you everyday Your tribute is wonderful. Praying for you everyday. Keith was a great man, and wil be missed🙏

  10. Janice and I were so sorry to hear about Keith’s passing . He was a great guy, I will always remember when you guys were up in Minnesota and I took Keith fishin one afternoon. I asked him if he knew how to fish for walleyes and he said “ Oh yea Jeff!”Well he couldn’t catch a walleye, but he had me laughing the whole time out there, it was a great time on the lake! We will miss him! Our prayers go out to you and the family.

  11. What a great tribute to a great man!! He made a difference in many peoples lives!! Keith will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

  12. I am so deeply sorry to hear this. Keith was always such a great person and Dad. There is no way he missed Drew play a hole in college. The Harrigan family is praying for yours

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