He was a student of Lincoln Northeast High School before attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He graduated from UNL in 1972 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. While a college student, Keith began working at Dietze Music House where he remained for almost 40-years, first as an employee and later as a Vice President/Co-Owner. He was immensely proud of the generations of musicians served by Dietze and the store’s tenured staff members, whom he greatly valued.
Keith was well known throughout Nebraska as a professional musician, playing bass or tuba in a number of bands and ensembles. Memorable moments included those spent at Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum performing in musical groups that accompanied Bob Hope, The Carpenters, Mel Torme, and Carol Channing. He especially treasured his time with the Bobby Layne Orchestra, Praise Band of Sheridan Lutheran Church (of which he was a member until his passing) and the Sesostris Shrine Circus Band, being a fixture in the latter two for 50 years. Above all, his most meaningful performances were those alongside his wife, Janet, who herself was an accomplished pianist.
A long-time supporter and advocate of the muical arts/music education, Keith was active in the Lincoln Arts Council, Nebraska Coalition for Music Education (past Board Member), and the Nebraska Educators Association (past Board Member). Professionally, he was previously a member of the Lincoln Musicians Association (former President), American Federation of Musicians (Local 463), City of Lincoln Personnel Board, and the Nebraska Music Dealers Association (former President).
His family will remember Keith as a dedicated grandfather, rarely missing a recital, play, or soccer game. He enjoyed hosting friends and family alike at the Country Club of Lincoln, treating his grandchildren to summer afternoons at the pool with ice cream for all. He was very fond of the Lied Center for Performing Arts and attended a great number of performances.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet Danielson; niece, Krista Walker Seevers, and brother-in-law, James Walker. He is survived by his sister Kathy (Bob) Walker-Swan; daughters and son, Alissa (Craig) Heckman-Dick, Jessica (Scott) Heckman Handelman, Andrew (Alyson) Heckman and their mother Connie Heckman; step-daughter, Stefanie (Tim) Lemon; and grandchildren, Alden and Keenan Lemon, Crosby and Rennon Dick, Charlotte and Quinn Handelman, and Sophia and Robert Heckman. He will be dearly missed by a lengthy list of family and close friends.
Always humble, Keith requested no services. For those wishing to honor his memory, please consider a donation to an organization he routinely supported (the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Friends of the Lied Foundation, the Lincoln Music Teacher’s Association, or the Lincoln Municipal Band).