Keith N. Sturdevant

Keith N. Sturdevant

Feb. 12, 1921 - Aug. 14, 2014

DRUMMOND ISLAND, Mich. -- Keith N. Sturdevant, age 93, passed away at home on Aug. 14, 2014

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife and life-partner Helen (Danner) Sturdevant, who was from the Trenton, Nebraska, area. He is survived by his sons Douglas Payson (Nancy) Sturdevant, Roger E. (Norma) Sturdevant; grandchildren, Rebecca, Elizabeth "Beth," Robert "Rob," Ryan (Giselle) and Jason (Morgan) Sturdevant; and great-grandsons Tristan and Aidan D'Ottavio.

Keith was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1921, and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor degree in music education in 1942. After serving in the US Army Air Force during the war, he earned a master in music education degree in 1947. It was at the university that he met and married the love of his life, Helen. Keith's life was dedicated to excellence in the teaching of choral music at the high school and junior college levels for schools in Gordon, Nebraska, and both Highland Park and Ferndale, Michigan. Tireless in his love of liturgical music, he also directed choirs for many years in churches wherever he and Helen lived.

Upon retirement in 1979, Keith and Helen spent winters in Sun City, Arizona, where they were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Sun City. Summers were spent on Drummond Island, Michigan, where they had been coming since 1963. In May of 2001, they became permanent residents of Drummond Island, enjoying the visits of family, friends and many former students. The Sturdevant family expresses gratitude for the exceptional love and care he received from the hands of Joyce Meyers, Nancy Black, Mary Anderson, Dorothy Larrabee, Loren Deal and Christine Cordray FNP-C. The family also wishes to thank Sheri Walker RN, the Drummond Island Ambulance Service and EUP Home Health & Hospice.

A memorial service will be Friday, Aug. 22 at 12 noon at the Drummond Island Township Hall, 29935 E. Pine Street on Drummond Island.

Memorial contributions may be sent to E.U.P. Hospice, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.