Keith Ray Blin
May 12, 1946 — July 30, 2007
Keith Ray Blin, 61, of Coggon, died Monday, July 30, 2007, at St. Luke’s Hospital. Services: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at United Parish Church in Coggon by Rev. Stan Wierson. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Central City. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Jackie; his children, Deidra of West Des Moines, and Derek of Chicago; his brother, Kenneth and his wife, Nancy; five nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Keith was born May 12, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Wesley and Rosalie Blin. He graduated from Central City High School in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelin (Jackie) Caryl on June 25, 1967, in Central City.
Keith received an Associate of Arts degree from Centerville Community College in 1967 where he played basketball and baseball. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969.
He was a math teacher and a coach in the North Linn School District for thirty-five years, retiring in 2004. Keith was frequently listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Keith was head boys’ basketball coach for ten years and made it to the state tournament twice. In 1976, he was named Northeast Iowa Coach of the Year. He was head girls’ volleyball coach for eight years and was named Tri-Rivers Volleyball Coach of the Year three times. Keith also was an assistant football coach and coached 8th grade boys’ basketball. He was the athletic director for five years. He cherished the many friendships he developed during his years as a teacher and a coach.
Keith was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and Good Sam. Keith currently belonged to Family Motorcoach Association, Winnebago-Itasaca Travelers, and Winnebago Five Plus One. He was a previous member of Iowa State Education Association, North Linn Education Association, Council of Iowa Mathematics, and Coggon Lions Club. Keith was a member of the United Parish where he served on the Parish Council for many years.
Keith was an avid Dodger fan and enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. watching major league baseball games. After retirement he further pursued his passion for golfing, playing cards, and camping. He greatly valued his Monday golfing friends and RVing friends. He enjoyed the two years he was able to spend the winter in Texas at the J-Five RV Park.
Keith was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial fund has been established in Keith’s memory.
Survivors include his wife, Jackie; his children, Deidra of West Des Moines, and Derek of Chicago; his brother, Kenneth and his wife, Nancy; five nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Keith was born May 12, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Wesley and Rosalie Blin. He graduated from Central City High School in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelin (Jackie) Caryl on June 25, 1967, in Central City.
Keith received an Associate of Arts degree from Centerville Community College in 1967 where he played basketball and baseball. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969.
He was a math teacher and a coach in the North Linn School District for thirty-five years, retiring in 2004. Keith was frequently listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Keith was head boys’ basketball coach for ten years and made it to the state tournament twice. In 1976, he was named Northeast Iowa Coach of the Year. He was head girls’ volleyball coach for eight years and was named Tri-Rivers Volleyball Coach of the Year three times. Keith also was an assistant football coach and coached 8th grade boys’ basketball. He was the athletic director for five years. He cherished the many friendships he developed during his years as a teacher and a coach.
Keith was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and Good Sam. Keith currently belonged to Family Motorcoach Association, Winnebago-Itasaca Travelers, and Winnebago Five Plus One. He was a previous member of Iowa State Education Association, North Linn Education Association, Council of Iowa Mathematics, and Coggon Lions Club. Keith was a member of the United Parish where he served on the Parish Council for many years.
Keith was an avid Dodger fan and enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. watching major league baseball games. After retirement he further pursued his passion for golfing, playing cards, and camping. He greatly valued his Monday golfing friends and RVing friends. He enjoyed the two years he was able to spend the winter in Texas at the J-Five RV Park.
Keith was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial fund has been established in Keith’s memory.
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