Keith Leroy Stucky

Keith Leroy Stucky

Keith Leroy Stucky, 57, of Austin, Texas, passed away on Thursday (Dec. 2, 2010) after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Keith was born on Aug. 17, 1953, in McPherson, to Howard and Mildred (Milly) Stucky.

At a young age, Keith displayed musical talent in voice and piano. During high school, he added oboe to his repertoire.

In 1975, he completed a bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College in North Newton and did graduate work in piano performance at Kansas State University and Wichita State University.

In 1983, Keith moved to Austin to accompany students at the University of Texas. In order to supplement his income, in 1984 he began working at the Internal Revenue Service, where he still was employed at the time of his death.

Keith was an analyst with IRS, and also taught leadership classes, for which he won many awards. As a result of this work, he has friends from around the nation. Many people remember Keith not only for his professionalism, but also for his sense of humor.

Keith loved and revered classical music, and even when he stopped performing, music was always a part of his life. After his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2007, Keith purchased a piano and began playing again, much to the delight of friends and family. He enjoyed attending concerts even in the last months of his illness.

Another of Keith's passions was tennis - whether it was playing or watching. Many of his weekends were spent playing with the Austin Tennis League and in USTA-sanctioned tournaments.

Keith also was known for his great love of dogs. Molly was his faithful companion for 16 years. A year ago, he acquired Sadie, who also was lucky enough to become his companion.

Keith was married to Rebecka Stucky from 1992 to 1997. She remained a great friend until his passing.

Survivors include his mother, Milly Stucky; brothers, Clair of Moundridge and Jerome of Lawrence; sisters, Teresa Birky (David) of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Dorothy Harder of Newton; nieces, Camille Adrian and Emily Harder; and nephews, Darren Birky, Kyle Birky and Ben Harder.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Howard Stucky, and his brother-in-law, Kurt Harder.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. today in the Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Chapel, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, (512) 892-1172. An additional service will be on Dec. 27 in North Newton.

Donations may be made in Keith's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to Bethel College.

Keith Leroy Stucky

Service Notice

A memorial service for Keith Leroy Stucky who died in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 2, 2010, will be held at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton on Monday at 4 p.m.