Keith was born at home on a farm near La Porte City, Iowa, in 1943 to Ruth and Everett Brown. He attended school in Brandon, Iowa. He skipped seventh grade and graduated in 1961. Keith was strongly encouraged to attend a trade school by his mom as she knew he was highly intelligent and needed to stay busy! He attended Universal Trade School of Omaha for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning in 1961. Once he completed trade school, he worked for ACI in Marshalltown from 1962-1974 where he was Service Manager. During his employment at ACI, he met and married Ada Marie (Bumsted) Brown on October 20, 1963, and they welcomed son, Bryan, in 1964, daughter, Lisa, in 1968 and son, Blake, in 1971. In 1974, Keith, along with Ada and Flo Kapaun, co-founded Kapaun & Brown, Inc. Together they grew the business into a multi-family generational success that now includes his son, Bryan and grandson, Josh. As they became leaders in the industry and continued to grow, they expanded the business to include the Ames community in 1986 and acquired Hartwig Plumbing in 2003. Keith was so obviously passionate about his employees and clients, always exhibiting kindness, honesty, integrity and generosity. His incredibly vast knowledge, technical skills and work ethic complimented his outstanding leadership. This undoubtedly contributed to Kapaun & Brown’s continued success. Kapaun & Brown’s mission statement, “Where quality is a promise” exemplifies Keith’s unwavering commitment to his clients.

Keith was an incredibly generous family member too. He often helped any family member – close or extended – or a close friend, with their heating and cooling needs. Keith and Ada would travel many weekends installing, repairing and checking equipment all over the USA. Keith loved a challenge and could fix anything – most likely with something already in his truck. Keith was just as passionate about life with Ada and his entire family, following his kids and grandkids anywhere their activities took place. No matter where and what the event was, we could look out in the crowd and they were always there, dedicated to each of us. Towards the end of his life, he dedicated a lot of snuggles and love with his great grandson, Bennett Brown.

Keith was also a passionate and dedicated fan of the Iowa State Cyclones. He attended every home football game, no matter what the weather was and would stay for the entire game. Nearly every family member attended games with him, but once you agreed to go, there was no leaving early! Along with football, Keith and Ada were avid ticket holders of Men’s basketball, Women’s basketball and at times Volleyball. They traveled to see NCAA tournaments. They were once publicly honored as Women’s Basketball’s ticket holders of the season.

Keith loved nature! Keith, Bryan and his family planted thousands of trees as well as a garden nearly every year. He was a dedicated conservationist who turned his land into a beautiful habitat for wildlife. Every day, he nurtured deer, turkeys, pheasants, numerous birds including hawks and eagles.

Keith and Ada enjoyed traveling and traveled the world extensively. They decided on Port St. Lucie, Florida, location for a second home for 11 years. They enjoyed their days at the beach and many adventures in Florida with their family.

There were so many clubs and organizations that Keith was a part of. To list a few of his favorites he was a Member of the Cyclone Club, served as president of RSES of Iowa (Refrigeration Service Engineer Society), Sergeant of Arms of Associate Builders Contractors, United Bank & Trust’s Board of Directors 2002-2018, Member of Pheasants Forever and Trees Forever.

We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live forever in many ways.

Keith will be dearly missed by his wife, Ada Brown, of Marshalltown, IA; children: Bryan (Judy) Brown, Lisa (Mitch Kleingartner) Brown Lindley, Blake (Amber) Brown; grandchildren: Ashley (Mike) Schneider, Josh (Jacki) Brown, Ethan Lindley, Emma (Jake Dundee) Lindley, Alyssa Brown, Tyler Brown, Brandon Brown; great grandchildren: Colton Schneider, Makenzie Schneider, Ethan Edwards, Maddy Edwards, Bennett Brown; several Nieces and Nephews; and brothers: Gene (Linda) Brown, of Waterloo, IA, and David (Diane) Brown, of Vining, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother and sister-in-law Larry (Marlene) Brown.