Keith Allan Nuehring, 55, of Independence, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Keith was born on December 16, 1970, at Postville Hospital to his mother, Helen Upton, and stepfather, Bill Upton. He graduated from MFL Community School with the Class of 1989.
On June 4, 2016, Keith was united in marriage to Brian. He began his career at 3M before deciding to return to school to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. Through hard work and determination, he achieved that dream and went on to work at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, Iowa.
Keith was an award-winning quilter whose beautiful creations earned numerous first-place awards at quilt shows and were featured in magazines. He also enjoyed collecting buttons and took great pride in his unique collection.
An outdoor enthusiast, Keith loved hunting, fishing, canoeing (despite not knowing how to swim—a fact his sister was always quick to remind him of), mushroom hunting, and spending evenings around a campfire with family and friends. He especially loved sunflowers and never passed up an opportunity to stop and admire them.
Keith enjoyed Batman, watching horror movies with his dog Ethyl, listening to Reba McEntire and Jelly Roll, cooking, watching Hell’s Kitchen, collecting beautiful lamps, and, of course, TJ’s Pizza. In fact, whenever his sister planned a visit, Keith would call their mom ahead of time and make sure she reminded his sister to bring him his favorite TJ’s Pizza—because he knew if Mom asked, she couldn’t say no.
Keith was known for his quick wit, smart-mouthed comebacks, and ability to make people laugh. He was fun-loving, free-spirited, and never at a loss for words. He had the biggest heart and one of the most beautiful souls. Keith could light up any room he entered—not only with his personality, but also because he was always impeccably put together and smelled good doing it.
His sister, Tiffany, held a special place in his heart, and the bond they shared was one that words cannot fully describe. If someone needed help, Keith never thought twice. Whether he was making his famous jalapeño poppers, convincing someone to join his Powerball pool, or simply being there when a friend needed him, Keith showed up.
Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Helen Upton of Luana, Iowa; his sister, Tiffany Upton of Luana, Iowa; his brother, Lee Nuehring of Durant, Iowa; his nephew, Lacey Upton of Luana, Iowa; his niece, April Upton of Luana, Iowa; his three children; and the many friends who became family throughout his life.
Keith was preceded in death by his husband, Brian; his stepfather, Bill Upton; his father, Otto Nuehring; his uncle, Harlan; his grandmother, Florence Mueller; his aunt, Joyce; his aunt, Ida and his uncle, Karl.
Keith was loved by so many and will be missed beyond measure. Though his family and friends will carry the weight of his absence, they will also carry countless memories of laughter, campfires, quilts, pizza runs, sunflower fields, and a man whose heart was far bigger than he ever realized. If you knew Keith, chances are he left you with a story worth telling and a reason to smile through the tears.
Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm with a Visitation from 10:00 am until time of service on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant.
Burial will follow in East Clermont Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with services.