Keith Spaulding

Frankenmuth, MI

Beloved educator Keith Spaulding passed away on Thursday October 15, 2020 due to complications from a stroke. He was 68 years young.

Born on November 23, 1951 to John and Gwendolyn Spaulding, Keith Spaulding grew up in Saginaw Michigan. From an early age, Keith dedicated his life to the arts and music in Saginaw County. Arthur Hill High School musicals under the direction of Merle Frenzel and his family upbringing shaped Keith's love of music and musical theater. Graduating from Arthur Hill in 1969, Keith went on to college at Western Michigan University to study communications and was a member of the choral group "Vagabonds." With a degree in tow, Keith came back to the Saginaw area to begin his teaching career. After teaching at Carrolton High School for one year, Keith began his longest dedication to education at Frankenmuth High School in 1974. In 1975, Keith carved his name into the pillars of Frankenmuth when he began the performing arts troupe Venner. With musicals and Venner performances, Keith gave the Frankenmuth Community a creative arts outlet.

In October of 1982, he began his greatest adventure of all. He started dating the love of his life, Sue Wendland. On June 23 ^rd , 1984 they were married in Saginaw at St. John's Episcopal Church. Hand in hand, Keith and Sue began their lives together in Frankenmuth. He garnered the title of Dad in 1986 with the birth of their first daughter Kelsey Lauren on June 1st. Three short years later, they welcomed their second child Emily Anne on Keith's birthday, November 23 ^rd .

After teaching for 35 years, Keith retired in 2008. From 2008 till now, Keith's life encompassed his family. His daughter Kelsey married Nick Caras in 2015, and in 2018 gave Keith his proudest moniker, Granda. Hedea Ann Caras was born on February 28 ^th of that year.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Sue, his children Kelsey (Nick) Caras, Emily Spaulding, and his granddaughter Hedea Caras. He is also survived by his brother Dan (Trisha) Spaulding and their children Sarah (Chad) Sikkema and Andrew Spaulding.

His legacy continues in his many more relatives, friends, and former students.

He was predeceased by his father John Spaulding, mother Gwendolyn Spaulding, and sister Elizabeth Spaulding.

Those planning an expression of sympathy, may wish to consider memorial donations to the Frankenmuth Community Foundation for the Keith Spaulding Performing Arts Memorial Scholarship.

Due to the COVID Pandemic, the Spaulding family did not have an opportunity to hold a funeral last fall. With time to prepare and plan, the Spaulding family now would like to invite, all who are comfortable, to the celebration of the life of Keith Spaulding. September 18 ^th , 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EST at the Palmer Schau Platz, 235 Park Drive Frankenmuth, MI 48734. The Spaulding family will host a gathering to celebrate Keith's life through pictures, stories, and song.  Due to the outdoor location, it is recommended to bring your own chairs or blankets. After almost a year, we all will finally be able to remember the music side by side once more.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth.  Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com .