Keith Englesby

Madison: Keith Caldwell Englesby, age 78, passed away on May 3, 2017 at his apartment home in Madison, having experienced significant health challenges in recent years. He was born on February 22, 1939 in Madison, the son of Rex and Agnes Englesby.

Keith enjoyed quite an idyllic childhood, living in his grandfather's home next to the schoolgrounds in Morrisonville, where he played out his passion for sports. He and friends spent many hours on the football and baseball fields in the schoolyard and the second floor of the horse barn behind the family home where a basketball hoop was always handy. Keith nurtured these athletic interests and skills throughout his school years at the Morrisonville Graded School and the DeForest High School.

After graduation from high school, he spent one year at the UW Madison and his remaining college years at the Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology, Platteville, where he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1964.

Keith's professional career as a civil engineer began with the Minnesota Highway Department and continued with his role of city engineer in other locations in Minnesota (Mound, Plymouth, and Brainerd) and also in Sheboygan. His enthusiasm for sports never waned, even after his school days were finished.

Keith became a "family man" in 1968 when he married Karen Bracken and in 1971 a proud father when his son Kevin was born. He greatly enjoyed fishing and looked forward to annual family vacations in northern Wisconsin, always inspired by the beautiful lakes and forests.
After he retired, he moved back to Wisconsin, returning to his "roots" but also drawn by his interest in the Green Bay Packers and the UW Badgers. He settled in Madison, where he enjoyed apartment living. He ventured out and about town daily, often stopping in the central office space of the apartment complex. The residents and staff recall his always-present warm smile and friendly greetings. Keith was an avid reader, very well informed and interested in local and national issues.

He attended church regularly, for many years a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, often commenting about how much he learned and gained from studying the Bethel Bible Series. He has been an enthusiastic member at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Middleton during the later years. He had a special interest in the Henry Vilas Zoo, which he supported and visited often, particularly impressed with the humane treatment of the animals and free admission for all.
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Keith will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but will always be remembered as a very caring and loving son, brother, father, and citizen.
He is survived by his son, Kevin Englesby of St. Francis, Minnesota, his brother, John Englesby of Morrisonville, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Rex H. Englesby, his mother, Agnes Caldwell Englesby, and the mother of his son.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, 6021 University Avenue, Madison on Friday, May 12, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Heather Hayward of St. Luke's Lutheran Church officiating. A visitation with light refreshments will be held during the hour prior to the service and following. A private family burial will take place later in the Arlington Cemetery.

The family extends special thanks to all of the wonderful healthcare providers in the Madison area who helped Keith with his health issues, the residents and staff at the Wexford Place Apartments, and members and pastors of the churches. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Keith's name may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Middleton or the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. Memories may be shared at www.CressFuneralService.com .

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406