Joseph Keith Cardwell

On May 11, 2021, Keith Cardwell of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully. Keith was born September 19, 1933 in Richmond, VA. He graduated from John Marshall High School and received his first bachelor’s degree in history, with a minor in journalism, from the University of Richmond in 1955. He proudly completed two years of service for the U.S. Military and worked at the Pentagon library. Keith raised his two sons, Timothy and Patrick, in Virginia. He spoke fondly of being involved with his sons’ high school wrestling team and continued to watch televised college wrestling when possible. In the 80s, Keith pursued a new career in psychology. He received a second bachelor’s degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University. In 1986, he moved to Kalamazoo, MI receiving a master’s degree in counseling and his Doctorate from Western Michigan University.  It was there that he met his wife to be, Carolyn Koleda, and the two were married in 1987. He worked in the Michigan prison system for over 12 years as a psychologist, primarily at the Huron Valley Center, before retiring in 2003. After retirement, Keith became a part-time instructor at Western Michigan University within the counseling and psychology department. Keith, Carolyn and his beloved Allie dog enjoyed exploring Michigan — finding fascinating places and new restaurants; Keith enjoyed supporting Michigan sports teams, including the Tigers and MSU; his favorite thing to do was to spend time with family. An avid reader, he always had a book or a newspaper with him so that he could read at any moment. Keith enjoyed volunteering for the Kalamazoo Public Library, and he was especially proud to have volunteered with the Kalamazoo Democratic Party for over twelve years. Keith is predeceased by his sister Jeanne and nephew Mitchell Koleda. He is survived by wife Carolyn, two sons; Timothy and Patrick (Donna), grandson Christopher Kus, six siblings-in-laws: Janet Pulver (Bob), Paul Koleda (Norma), David Koleda (Linda), Daniel Koleda (Carolyn), Kenneth Koleda (Nyoka), Nancy Borgacz (Kevin), fourteen nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass Saturday, May 15, 2021 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 68035 Main St., Richmond, MI 48062, with burial to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions given in Keith’s name are suggested to the Kalamazoo Humane Society or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

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