Keith Raykowski, 66

Keith Raykowski passed away Feb. 2, 2023 after a nearly seven-year battle with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s disease. By the saving grace of his merciful God, Keith is now fully restored and in the loving arms of Jesus.

Keith was a man of seemingly endless energy and was known for his sense of humor. He was quick to laugh and could tell a joke or story like a professional storyteller, which often resulted in a bonding of family and friends as Keith would invite others to join in the acts. Keith’s life was an example of his strong faith by loving God, his family, and others. He always put others before himself by serving in many different community and church ministries. He had empathy for others and was generous with his time and resources. He never sat still and always got the job done. He loved kids, was creative, had a great sense of adventure and was loved by everyone who knew him. He brought tremendous joy, encouragement and optimism to many people.

Keith was born at Offutt Air Force Base to Dr. Harley and Betty Raykowski in 1956. While still an infant, his family moved to Missoula, Montana. The Raykowski family loved the outdoors. They spent a lot of time in Glacier National Park and at their ‘Lake Place’ at Flathead Lake. Keith was also active in sports and Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Sentinel High School in Missoula, and continuing through college at the University of Montana, Keith worked four summers in Glacier National Park. He eventually found himself working as a tour guide in Denali National Park, where he met the love of his life. Keith met Laura in Denali in 1979 and they were married in 1981.

Keith and Laura were blessed with two sons, Brian and Tim. While the boys were quite young, the family spent four more summers in Denali National Park. Keith was again a tour guide, which was a good summer job for a young teacher. After Keith became a school psychologist, they moved to Omak, Washington and in 2011 moved back to Montana.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve. He is survived by his wife Laura, his son Brian (Rosemary), and his son Tim. He also leaves behind two wonderful grandsons, Weston and Lane. He’s also survived by his brother David, aunts, uncles and cousins. He’s also survived by his many beloved in-laws; his mother-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Keith’s honor Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Whitefish. It will be available for live streaming at ccwhitefish.com.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Keith’s family.