Keith Errol Mathiason of Sugar Lake, passed away Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at Grand Itasca with his family by his side.

Keith was born February 9, 1955, the son of Milo and Alvina Mathiason in Perham, Minnesota. When Keith was five years old, his family made their home in the Sugar Lake area near Grand Rapids, where Keith and his family continued to reside.

Keith graduated from Grand Rapids High School and continued his education at Staples VoTech School where he studied to become a Diesel Mechanic. At that time, he also applied at Blandin Paper Mill and pursued a position in the PGW. This was the beginning of his famous egg, peanut butter, and cheese sandwich. He worked in the PGW for 42 years, until his retirement in March 2019.

He met his wife Kris in 1973 at the bowling alley in Grand Rapids. On December 7th, 1974 they were united in marriage. Together they lived in the home he and his father built, and raised their 3 kids, Candi, Matt, and Amanda, along with many loved pets.

Keith can be remembered as a quiet and reserved guy that would help anyone and was always available to go fishing whatever the season was. He enjoyed being a father and grandfather and was always interested in every school activity and never missed a single thing. Keith was an outdoorsman who loved deer hunting, gardening, and was an avid fisherman. In the last few years, he enjoyed trail cleanup and maintenance with the members of the Rapids Riders ATV Club. Keith also liked watching MLS soccer and stock car racing.

Keith is preceded in death by his father, Milo and his sister, Karen. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 51 years, Kris; three children, Candi (Tony Beltrand) Mathiason-Beltrand, Matt Mathiason, and Amanda Mathiason (Sarah Hovis); grandchildren, Jace and Kaylee; great granddaughter, Addison; his mother, Alvina Mathiason; siblings, Karla (Jack) Palkki and Keyna (Roger) Childs; along with many family and friends; as well as his fishing buddy, Kirk whom he also did trail maintenance with and brunch regularly.

Special thanks to St. Mary's 9th and 12th floor (Trauma and Neuro) for their wonderful care of Keith and his family. Also, thanks to the staff at Grand Village for their care.

Per Keith's requests - no services will be held at this time.