Troy J. Keip

Troy J. Keip, 37, of Lindenwood, IL passed away surrounded by his family on December 2, 2021. He was born in Rockford, IL on March 19, 1984 to James and Doreen (Meyers) Keip. Troy graduated from Boylan High School in 2002 and then went on to get his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Loras College. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Loras College his passion for science and learning led him to pursue an engineering degree.

Troy married the love of his life, Sarah Lichty, on July 2, 2011. They had met in a college Speech class, in the summer of 2003, where they had been paired up for a group speech. Troy used the opportunity to invite Sarah to one of his softball games and the rest is history. Sarah will forever be his biggest fan.

Troy and Sarah loved to travel together. Some of Troy’s favorite trips included hiking the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, watching FC Barcelona play Real Sociedad in Barcelona, Spain and Real Madrid play Atlético Madrid in Madrid, Spain, exploring the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, climbing the bell towers of the Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame in Paris, eating at a beach overlooking the Mediterranean in Nice, France, visiting the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, eating a seven course meal overlooking the French Alps in Annecy, France, climbing Mount Fuji to watch the sunrise from the top in Japan, waking up early eat raw fish at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan, feeding the deer in Nara, Japan, walking the Dotonbori to see the nightlife in Osaka, Japan, and attending the Gion Festival and watching the Yoiyama Parade in Kyoto, Japan.

Troy was unafraid to tackle any home improvement project and he approached each project by studying all of the options and turning it into a learning experience, just like everything he did in his life. He was an excellent collaborator and labored mightily to achieve his and Sarah’s vision. Troy was a planner, he was determined, and he was an incredibly hard worker. Working alongside family and friends, Troy transformed their house in Lindenwood from a tired, unfinished relic of the 1980’s into a welcoming, bright modern showcase.

Troy and Sarah’s greatest adventure began on May 19, 2018 when their son Bernard was born. Troy loved Bernard with all of his heart and never missed an opportunity to teach Bernard a new skill and then snuggle on the couch after a long day’s work. He was a master bedtime story reader, an expert toy builder, and could draw all requested creatures. Troy always provided an indescribable comfort to Bernard and Sarah and will live in their hearts forever.

When facing his diagnosis, Troy spent countless hours reading case studies, medical journals, and books in order to plan next steps alongside his physicians. He was his own advocate; relentless in making sure his options stayed open and that he tried everything he could to keep the disease at bay. He threw himself unflinchingly into drastic lifestyle changes, enduring strenuous efforts with calm, determined energy and grace.

Troy was caring, kind hearted, practical, fun, loyal, humble, and smart but most of all he was an excellent provider. He did whatever he needed to do to make sure his wife and son were taken care of and that they always felt his love. Troy was courageous and strong and fought up until the very end. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Troy is survived by his love of 18 years, Sarah Keip; his son, Bernard Keip; his parents, James and Doreen Keip; his brother, Timothy (Emily) Keip; his grandmother, Elizabeth DeBaere; his in-laws, John (Pamela) Lichty and Joane (John) Knoll; his sisters-in-law, Lindsey Kusnierz, Ashley (Andrew) Phillips, Jessica (Christopher) Lalowski, and Sophia Lichty; his brother-in-law, Jarrod (Katelyn) Lichty; his nieces and nephews, Peyton Lalowski, Paisley Lalowski, Claire Phillips, Madeline Kusnierz, Owen Keip, Aubrey Kusnierz, Norah Phillips, Evelyn Keip, Harper Lalowski, Hunter Lalowski, Arlo Phillips, Jack Kusnierz, Walker Lichty, and Casey Lichty. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cordelia Lynn Keip; his grandparents, James (Marlene) Keip and James DeBaere; and his brother-in-law, John Kusnierz.

The family sends out a heartfelt thank you to all of their wonderful friends and family for their love and support during this time.

The family would like to extend special thanks for the incredible support of Rock River Environmental Services and Waste Connections, where Troy enjoyed working for the past 13 years.

Visitation for Troy will take place on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 9, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, IL 61111. Burial will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory.