Wendy Keis

Wendy Kauphusman Keis passed away peacefully on May 1, 2018 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls, after living fearlessly with breast cancer for three years.

Wendy was born on January 17, 1970. Her adoring parents, Richard and Patricia Kauphusman strongly supported the development of her many talents, especially art, dancing, acting and singing. Wendy attended St. Charles School and then Chi-Hi, where she was “front and center” in the Harmonics show choir, plays and musicals. She continued to pursue her love of theatre as an adult in shows at the Heyde Center for the Arts. Wendy’s most extraordinary gift, however, was her art: oil pastels and acrylics were her favorite media, and she selflessly created masterworks for her family and friends.

After attending UW-Stevens Point, Wendy moved to the Twin Cities, where she married Tom Keis; they were blessed with two children, Julia and Jacob. After residing for 15 years in Minnesota, Wendy moved back to Chippewa Falls with her beloved children and later worked at the 4:30 A.M. Coffeehouse, where she will be greatly missed by co-workers and patrons alike.

As a founding member of the Valley Vineyard Church in Chippewa Falls, she generously shared her musical and artistic talents in the praise of our Savior. Wendy’s deep faith enabled her to see the miracle in every situation, including in her own illness. She felt wonder and joy in meeting her birth family this winter, including a brother, Brian. She continued to see the great beauty in the world, to love her family and friends cheerfully, and to meet everyone with unfailing kindness.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her birth mother, Sharon Sacia.

She will be deeply missed by her parents, Richard and Patricia; her brother; Scott (Mary); her children, Julia and Jacob; niece, Sarah; nephew, Max; and many family members and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held at 12 noon, Friday, May 11 at the Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 S. High Street, Chippewa Falls, with Pastor Michael Houle of Valley Vineyard Church officiating.

Visitation with the family will take place before the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Heyde Center with a luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for education expenses for Julia and Jacob.

The family wishes to thank St. Joseph's Hospice for their wonderful care and support for Wendy in recent weeks. We are so blessed to have such a support group in our community.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

Please share your memories and condolences online at pedersonvolker.com.