Keith H. Tatro Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Keith Hampton Tatro was born to Donald and Irene (Hampton) Tatro on June 26, 1935 in Geneva, Nebraska and passed away May 29, 2018 at Heritage Crossings in Geneva, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 3 days. He was eldest of five children in the family. Keith attended country school and graduated from Geneva High School in 1953. Keith spent his youth helping his father on the farm. He married Barbara Kinder 1953 and to this union they welcomed two children into their home, Kevin in 1959 and Cheryl in 1963. After Barb’s passing, Keith met and married Rene Terry and they lived in Omaha. He gained step children, Tommy, Jodi, Mike and Bobbi. After Rene’s passing due to a short battle with cancer, Keith met and married Dona Guptill in 2005. He gained five step children, Kris, Gary, Brad, Steve and Becky. After high school, Keith farmed until he was called to active duty in 1961 with the Nebraska Army National Guard. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. Barb and Kevin joined him there during that time. After his service, they moved home to Shickley, where he continued farming and started driving truck. Truck driving turned into a lifelong career he truly enjoyed. He drove for Lichti Oil, Saltzman Brothers, and Wynne Transport of Omaha. During this time, he made many lifelong friends and always ran into people he knew in his travels. He had the utmost respect for those he worked for and with. He retired in 2004, after 21 years with Wynne Transport. Even retirement could keep him out of the truck. He enjoyed helping his nephew, Jason during harvest. Many laughs were had in the fall as Keith always entertained the crew. After retirement, Keith took on a whole new life. He and Dona wintered in Rock Port, Texas and they enjoyed traveling and having as much fun as they could. They met many new friends and enjoyed their life to the fullest. To Keith, family and friends were always important. The Tatro clan would always get together on Sundays and holidays, where a good time was always had by all. You would never walk away from a conversation with Keith without a smile. Keith’s laugh was infectious. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Irene Tatro; wives, Barbara, Rene and Dona Tatro; brothers, Del Tatro and Sterling Tatro; two nieces, Denise and Dianne Gilliam; step-sons, Gary and Brad Guptill; and great nephew, Jake Martin. He is survived by his children, Kevin Tatro and Cheryl (Brad) Knobel; brother, Stan (Connie) Tatro; sister, Sheila Gilliam; sister-in-laws, Fauna Tatro, Nancy Tatro and Harriett (Carl) Garrison; grandchildren, Kelsey and Tiffaney Tatro and Nick Wassom; great grandson, Colton Betts; nieces and nephews, Greg (Pat) Tatro, Kurt (Deb) Tatro, David Gilliam, Debbi (Troy) Coker, Dan (Brenda) Tatro, Donny Tatro, Teresa (Phil) Martin, Jason (Micky) Tatro; step children, Tommy, Jodi, Mike and Bobbi Terry and Chris, Steve and Becky Guptill; a host of great nieces and nephews; step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; and many, many friends. A Memorial Service for Keith was held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Michelle Gowin officiated the service. The recorded selections “So Long, Farewell, Goodbye,” “Soft Rain,” “Daddy’s Hands,” and “Life’s Railway To Heaven” were played during the service. Honorary Pall Bearers for the service included Keith’s grandchildren: Kelsey Ann Tatro, Tiffaney Jean Tatro, and Nickolas Keith Wassom. Military Rites were performed by Lt. Forbes Fairmont American Legion Post 21 and were held outside the Church following the Memorial Service. Private Inurnment of Ashes will take place at a later date in the Geneva Public Cemetery. Farmer & Son Funeral Home conducted the services and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Tributes

Keith H. Tatro

June 26, 1935 - May 29, 2018