Keith Allen Hardy

Keith Allen Hardy, age 70, of Bremen, passed away on Dec. 27, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Keith was born to Theodore and Berna (Weldy) Hardy on Sept. 17, 1946 in Bremen. He attended Bremen High School, class of 1965. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, serving with the Army. He married Gail Yoder on Oct. 19, 1968.

He was famous for his incredible bear hugs, balloon animals and infectious laughter. He enjoyed regaling people with stories, jokes, and acting out as different characters. His character of Lucille and his persona of BoJingles the Clown will be forever etched in our memories.

He volunteered for many years at the Bremen Holy Walk, portraying a Roman soldier. He also volunteered at Real Services at Oakhaven Community for several years before accepting a part-time position there. He officially retired from Oakhaven on Dec. 15, 2016. Keith enjoyed working with people and his previous work experiences prior to retirement included many years at Utilimaster in Wakarusa, Vantastic in Bremen and Hop Cap in Bremen.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ted Hardy and Berna (Hardy) Edel, his son, Shawn, brothers; Melvin Hardy and Owen Hardy, and brothers-in-law; Jerry Yoder, Mark Yoder and David Knowles.

He leaves behind a wife, Gail, a son, Brandon Hardy and a daughter, Kecia (Bob) Schultz, three grandsons, Micah Schultz, Tristan Hardy and Tyler Hardy; a sister, Valeria Laudeman and two brothers, Rhidley Edel and Paul Edel, as well as the multiple sons and daughters he unofficially adopted over the years.

Visitation took place Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 in Mishler Funeral Home. Burial took place in Bremen Cemetery.