Keith Lee Teems was ushered into the arms of his Savior on April 15. Born January 13th, 1947 to Keith Raymond Teems and Lela O. Teems, in Toledo, Ohio. In early childhood, the family moved to Miami, Florida where he graduated from Miami Norland High School. Known by his parents and siblings as “Jake” (No, we have no idea where they got “Jake” from Keith), he was the oldest boy of 6.
Keith served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, leaving the service at the rank of Sergeant. In 1968, his bunk mate, Jim Reed arranged for a friend of his girlfriend’s to start writing letters to Keith. It was through these letters that he found his soulmate, Ginger Wigner, on the other end of the world. Over the next few months, the two of them fell in love one letter at a time. In February of 1969, he left the service and immediately asked Ginger to marry him and they were married on June 7th, 1969. Over the next 4 years, their 4 daughters, Cindy, Dawn, Meri, and Wendy, joined the family. He was the best “Girl Dad” to ever live.
Keith worked for General Motors for 32 years. He loved playing church league softball with his daughters and playing many rounds of golf with his friends. His love of sports extended to spectating, whether it be college ball or the little league games of his grandkids. He’d also sit at a Euchre table at every family holiday, silently destroying every single other person at the table.
Keith instilled a servant’s heart in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He showed them everyday to listen to the Lord, to love their neighbor, to be patient, to be kind, and how to do it all with a well-timed joke. He was a member of Southdale Church of the Nazarene for 56 years, serving on the Board, serving as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and quite literally helping to build the church from its foundation.
Keith will be sorely missed for many reasons but maybe the most when his family or friends need a listening ear and a word of wisdom. We were all so lucky to have him by our side and we all anxiously await our Heavenly reunion.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Cynthia Teems and Meredith Teems Ameling, his parents Keith, Lela, three siblings, Lorna, Candy, and Pete, sister in-law Janet Pruett, brother in-law Wayne Wigner, his father and mother in law Robert and Betty Wigner, and his dear friend Larry Hoover.
Keith is survived by the love of his life for 57 years, Ginger. His two daughters Dawn (Larry) Martin and Wendy (Robert) Baker. A son in-law, John Ameling. Grandchildren Tessa Martin, Ashley Martin, Tyler Martin, Shelby (Jesse) Pritt, Madelynn (Devin) Bates, Mereena (Nathan) Zachary, Brynn (Cory) Krieger, Laurynn (Aaron Diaz), Gavin Vaughn, Bradley Gammon, Kamryn Baker, and Matthew (Savannah) Ameling. Great Grand Children Khloee, Trent, Harrison, Ellison, Indigo, Ruby, Sean, Ophelia, Drew, and Phin. His siblings, David (Eddy) Teems and Noma Love, sister in-laws Sherry Teems and Jeanine (Danny) Pope, brother in-law Michael Pruett, along with several nieces, nephews, and church family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11 AM at the Southdale Church of the Nazarene, 530 West 53rd Street, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Southdale Church of the Nazarene.
Online condolences may be given at www.rozelle-johnson.com.