Keith A. Osness

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost Keith Allen Osness passed away on May 24, 2022 at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas following an extended illness. Keith was born May 13, 1962 in Merrill, son of the late Faye Jean (Travis) and David Osness. He was a 1980 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. Keith furthered his education at UW Superior and UW Eau Claire, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Keith’s motto in life was “work hard, achieve great results, and treat everyone with respect”. This was evident in his strong work ethic from early on. He enjoyed working in woods - peeling popple and picking boughs, as well as working on the family beef farm. Keith worked as college summer help at Wausau Papers in preparation for his future career in the paper industry. Following graduation, he was employed by several paper chemical companies throughout the country. Being one to seek out advancement and adventure his career path led him to the oil industry. During this time, he traveled internationally from floating oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to the deserts of central Africa. Throughout his life Keith was an avid competitor. In his younger years he participated in Merrill little league baseball and youth wrestling. As an adult he enjoyed playing tavern league softball with his family and friends. Keith had a lifelong passion for long distance running and competed in several marathons. He could be seen at most any time, day or night, out for his run. Keith will be remembered for his quick wit and signature laugh. He was fun loving, full of energy, and young at heart. His generous nature knew no bounds, never hesitating to lend a helping hand. Keith loved to reminisce and share memories of “the good old days”. Keith is survived by his life partner Anna Kim Ho of Sugar Land, Texas; his sister Julie (Greg) Thorson of Merrill; and his brother Scott (Renee) Osness of Wausau. He is further survived by his niece Melissa Osness (Kris Kohn) of Wausau; and nephews Logan Osness (Sarah Brady) of Wausau, and Ivan “Vanya” Thorson of Merrill; aunts Barbara Hanson, Patsy Travis, Betty Latzig, Elayne (Richard) Ollmann, Janet Beyer-Thums, Phyllis (Ralph) Buch, Carol Osness, and Carol J. Osness all of Merrill and Darlene Osness of Wausau. Keith is also survived by many wonderful cousins. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, David and Faye Jean Osness; his brother Craig Osness; and sisters Johanna Osness-Hoerstmann and Anne Marie Osness in infancy; and faithful German Shepherd, Mrs. Heidi A funeral service for Keith will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 3, 2022 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Pastor Patricia Schutz will preside. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 2 and from 10:00 A.M until the time of services on Friday. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.