Keith Stoneberg

KEITH STONEBERG IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Keith Ray Stoneberg, 55, passed away peacefully in his home in Idaho Falls on Saturday May 27th in the afternoon, following a long courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis, and the complications thereof. He was comforted by his wife, Lavon C. Stoneberg, as he took his last breath, and his youngest daughter, K'bree, was at home with him. Keith was born in Murray, Utah, on April 9, 1951, and grew up in Idaho Falls. He attended Idaho Falls High School and joined the United States Army after graduation. During his 22 year service to the United States Army he received two Masters degrees at the Metropolitan University in Minneapolis, MN and the Golden Gate University in California He also received his degree as a German linguist, while in California. Keith served two tours during the Vietnam war, being awarded many commendations during his 22 years of active duty service. Keith was an awarded marathon runner and a master fitness instructor in the military and enjoyed running as a past time until his body could no longer handle it. Before retiring his last year of service was on the General's staff in Worms Germany, participating in the fall of the wall between East and West Germany. He received accolades for his service and hard work in this honorable duty in presenting the General's staff with the Charlie phone from the gate at the wall. He retired in October 1990, as a Master Sergeant, and moved back to his home town of Idaho Falls with his family. Keith also worked for the INEL as a security manager until 1993 when complications of Multiple Sclerosis prevented him from continuing to work. Keith was a long time member of Eagle Rock Baptist Church and the Church of the Nazarene in Idaho Falls. Keith enjoyed reading his Bible on a daily bases and sharing with all of those he came in contact with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and most of all reading books and watching movies with his little girl, K'bree. Keith was deeply devoted to his wife of 21 years, Lavon, who cared for him during the long years of his illness, and to his children who always loved and supported him. He liked playing games of cribbage with his brother, Mark, his son, Nathan, and his son-in-law, Daniel. He enjoyed spending quality time with others and reflecting on his many travels throughout his military career and talking about his childhood memories. Keith is survived by his wife, Lavon C. Stoneberg, daughters, K'bree Monique Stoneberg (age 5), Sarah Humpherys (Daniel), Andrea Smith (Brett), Samantha Molbert (Jonathan), from the Idaho Falls area, and his sons, Nathan Stoneberg (Jennifer), and Jeremiah Stoneberg, from Tucson, AZ. Keith is also survived by his 4 grandchildren and one on the way. Brothers, Mark (Lorie) Stoneberg, Kenny Stoneberg, and Larry Stoneberg. Sisters, Berta (Mike)Oats and Margaret Stoneberg. He was preceded in death by his parents Arne and Eleanor Stoneberg. His family would like to send a special thank you to all the medical health care professionals who were involved in Keith's care over the years. To include Idaho Home Health and Hospice, his home nurse Spencer, Dr. Stephen DeNagy, Dr. David Schrader, Dr. Bradey Cook, Dr. Cathy Linderman, the staff at EIRMC, and the staff at Prescription Center. Keith will be deeply missed by his wife, children, and his many friends and family members, who all know that he has gone to be with his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, of whom he had a close personal relationship with, as a born again believer. One of Keith's favorite verses from the Bible: "Come unto me, all ye that labor are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 Funeral Services will be held June 1, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., followed by his burial at Fielding Cemetery immediately after the services. Visitation with family will be held one hour prior to services, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the services at the cemetery the family invites friends to their home at 1488 South Bellin Road in Idaho Falls. "We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again." ------------------------------------------------------ Condolences sent online: Rhonda Marie Coone / David Wiley [RMCOONE@swmail.sw.org] The only thing about his passing is he is with daddy and momma now at the feet of Jesus and God. NO MORE PAIN TO SUFFER. I Love You Guys. Rhonda Marie