C. Keith Edison
C. Keith Edison, 78, of Independence, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at his home.
Keith was a miracle baby survivor in that he was delivered following the death of his mother, Esther Vienna (Nyre) Edison. Following his mother’s death, his father, Kermit Edison, married Norma Esther Huebner who adopted Clennis Keith Edison.
Keith went by several names including Clennis, Keith, CK and Knut in Norway. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, demonstrated by his license plate GJELLE, which was the farm name near Voss, Norway. His great-grandfather changed his name from Gjelle to Edison.
Keith attended Stoughton High School, UW-Eau Claire, and graduated Cum Laude from Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. Keith was especially proud of his over 58 years in funeral service. He carried on his father’s motto of “Caring is our most important responsibility.” Funeral service was more than a business to Keith, his wife, Nancy (Brixen) and daughter, Teresa Edison. Taking time to listen to families and talking to children was something he was thankful that he could offer this time with those that called upon him at a most difficult time. Keith was dedicated to funeral service and the families he served most often placing them before his own family.
Keith was very proud of a citation by the Wisconsin Senate which read in part “Keith has provided exceptional funeral service in a professional and dignified manner to many families during times of dying, death, and bereavement…”
Keith participated in many funeral organizations, Lions International and local community events. Keith’s trademarks included clean cars, white shirts, and pen and notepad in his pocket.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Edison of Independence; two sons: Craig (Gina) Edison of Chaska, MN, and Kevin Edison of rural Osseo; a sister, Susan (Paul) Edison-Swift of Oshkosh; two granddaughters: Lydia and Eleanor Edison, both of Chaska.
Keith was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Edison;and his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence.
Friends and family may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and one hour prior to Mass, both at the church.
Military rites will be performed by Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186.
Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to East Bennett Valley Cemetery, P.O. Box 6, Eleva, WI 54738; Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, P.O. Box 430, Independence, WI 54747; or Lions Pride Endowment Fund, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473.
“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you live at all.”
~ Leo Rosten
