Keith Deaver
KMD ~ Keith was a student at Westby. He died of cancer on October 24th 2004
WESTBY, Wis. Keith Deaver, 14, of Westby died Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, 2004, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse after a long and courageous battle with cancer He was diagnosed with bone cancer in September of 1994. Keith was born Jan. 5, 1990, to Troy Deaver and Stacy (Leer). He was currently in the eighth grade at Westby Middle School.
As the result of Keith's illness, he decided to write a book to help others understand what it was like to have cancer. His book, "Having Cancer," was published locally and copies have been purchased by people throughout the country, impacting many lives.
In his short life, Keith touched numerous people and has left an impression that will persevere. He was baptized, confirmed and a life member of Vang Lutheran Church, rural Westby. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors: Just two weeks ago, Keith went hunting and shot a bear! Even with only one arm, Keith still enjoyed "jigging" (fishing) and he really loved wrestling and four wheeling. He loved anything with wheels.
He is survived by his parents, Stacy and Troy Deaver; one brother, Maverick at home; maternal grandparents, Steve and Nancy (Nestingen) Leer of Westby; paternal grandparents, Terry Sr. and Gloria (Beckwith) Deaver of Viroqua; two uncles, Barrett Leer of Westby and Terry Jr. and his wife Deborah (Quinter) Deaver of Holmen, Wis.; two cousins, Tori and Tayler Deaver; two aunts, Heather Leer of La Crosse and Michelle Leer at home; maternal great-grandparents, Robert and Mary (Holinka) Nestingen of La Crosse and Oliver and Joyce (Torpen) Leer of Northfield, Wis; maternal great-grandmother, Beulah (Adank) Bautch of Galesville, Wis.; paternal great-grandfather Floyd Deaver of Alaska; paternal great-grandmother, Bernice Beckwith of La Farge, Wis.; and his best friend, Skyler Easterday.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Linda (Bautch) Leer on Oct. 21, 1983; great-grandmothers, Carol Nestingen on Jan. 24, 1990, and Velma Deaver on Dec. 29, 1992; paternal great-grandfather, Delmar Beckwith on July 16, 1984; and maternal great-grandfather, Clarence Bautch Sr. on July 8, 1996.
A special "Thank You" to Dr. Bob and the clinic staff, and the staff on 4th floor Pediatric West, for the last 10 years of comfort and support.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Westby-Coon Prairie Lutheran Church with Pastors Dennis Hallemeier and Steven Meyer officiating. Burial will be in the Vang Cemetery with a luncheon and fellowship following at the Westby Middle School cafeteria. Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy. 14, Westby. There will be no visitation at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.
WESTBY TIMES ARTICLE
Keith Deaver passes away after battle with cancer
On Sunday, Oct. 24 Keith Deaver passed away at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La CrosseThis courageous 14-year-old touched more lives and earned more admiration in his short life than people who spend decades hoping to attain it.
Keith loved life. He loved family. He loved friends. He loved sports. He loved video games. He loved hugs. He loved making people laugh. He loved taking on new adventures and meeting new people.
Keith didn't like having cancer. He didn't like trips to the hospital and chemotherapy treatments. He didn't like needles and the way the drugs made him feel. He didn't like being a teenager with limited capability.
He spoke openly of his illness and his ongoing battle to survive the cancerous demons which kept remanifesting themselves in his body. He transposed his feeling into books in hopes others would understand and not fear what they cannot control.
Keith battled cancer since he was five years old when doctors discovered a tumor on his ankle. He underwent a biopsy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester on May 17, 1994.
Fearing the worst, while praying for the best, Keith was diagnosed with osteogenic cancer and began immediate chemotherapy treatments. At the age of five he had no idea what chemotherapy was or how it would control his life for years to come.
As if dealing with the harsh realities of cancer wasn't enough his parents, Troy and Stacy Deaver, soon learned Keith also suffered from Rothman Thompson Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which causes physical abnormalities and acts as a breeding ground for cancer.
The Deaver family watched as their vibrant, energetic son, fought the disease and overcame one demon at a time. His spirit through the entire ordeal was an inspiration to everyone who loved and would grow to love him over the next 10 years.
Treatments took their toll on Keith's body and at the age of 7 the young man with the devilish smile weighed a mere 31 pounds. He was on special diets to accommodate his allergy prone system which mirrored a wide-range of stomach ailments.
Keith remained cancer free for seven years and hoped he had beat the odds. Then on March 8, 2002 he broke his arm playing football with friends. Doctors installed a metal plate to aid the healing process, but Keith's arm refused to heal and swelled uncontrollably.
Believing Keith had an infection doctors conducted further tests revealing a mass in his arm. Keith's past history led to biopsies leaving little doubt the cancer had returned. Regretfully doctors were forced to amputate Keith's lower left arm below the elbow and replaced his knee with an artificial joint.
Loosing an arm wouldn't stop Keith from attempting the impossible. He loved reaching beyond the boundaries and exceeding expectations. He was a teenager after all.
Keith cleared one hurdle after another, survived round after round of chemotherapy in hopes each one would be the last. Each time the cancer returned forcing him back to the battle lines. His body grew weak and extended treatments took its toll. He refused to surrender willingly even after the doctors relinquished all hope.
The 2004 Westby Home-coming on Oct. 1 was dedicated to Keith. Signs honoring Keith still hang on lockers and in hallways. The varsity football team placed his initials on their helmets before the game. Tears welled up in everyone's eyes as Keith was presented an autographed team football during the pep session.
His friends, classmates, teachers and family never stopped believing. The Westby Middle School filled a display case with pictures and memorabilia of Keith. They provided a box for letters and transported them to the hospital to brighten his days. Hundreds of students wear wristbands created for their friend.
Keith will forever have a place in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He was a friend to all and wasn't afraid to say the words. He taught people more about life and how precious time is than any book or words to a song.
Tears will flow, hearts will break and time will heal. But the legacy of memories Keith left behind will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those who learned unconditional love from a young man with an exceptional spirit.
We love you Keith.
To Acess Keiths Personal site
KEITH THE ONE AND ONLY
Keith was an extrodinary person. He taught everyone he met the true meaning of how to love life and how to live life to its fullest extent. Keith was the bravest, most couragous person I have ever met and most likely ever will meet in my life. I never once saw Keith without a smile on his face. Even through having cancer for most of his life Keith never let himself become bitter he just kept his chin up and took what ever came his way in stride. Keith never let his situation bring him down and he never wanted or let anyone feel sorry for him. To him he was just a normal kid he wanted to be treated like everyone else. Keith was the best role model probably to ever live on this planet he was kind, funny, caring, generous, happy and every other kind word you can think of. He was truly an angel on earth. I just hope someday I touch just half as many people in my life as he did in his short time here. I love you Keith.
Keith the Stud
Here is Keith showing off his muscles.
Keith being the cool dude he is
KMD~January 5th 1990~October 24th 2004~
The Face that Girls love
