Keith Madsen Thomas

Keith Madsen Thomas, our loving husband, father, and grandfather, finished his work on this earth on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at home.

Keith was born on February 20, 1938 in Salt Lake City to Naomi Madsen and Joseph Henry Thomas. He grew up in Holladay and attended Olympus High School. On May 1, 1959, Keith married Geraldann (“Gerry”) Petersen, with whom he welcomed two daughters. Gerry preceded him in death in 1980. A few years later, Keith’s best friend Bob introduced him to his sister Jean Olsen (Barrus), and they married March 13, 1982. Jean had four daughters. Together, they welcomed one more daughter into the family, bringing the total to seven.

Keith was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving in his various callings. For twenty years, he served as a dedicated temple worker in both the Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples, where he served until it closed for remodeling.

Keith loved helping his family and neighbors—installing decks, fixing things, doing car maintenance, and helping the scouts in the ward build their pinewood derby cars.

Keith loved sharing his talents and passions with anyone and everyone and did so generously. He had an impressive woodworking shop in his garage, somehow neatly fitting every tool one might need for any project in the yard, in the house, or for the cars, as well as for creating countless treasures, including much of the furniture that graces their home. A small sampling of his woodworking skills includes a gorgeous handmade canoe, bird feeders, custom portable church podiums, beautiful custom rocking horses for the grandchildren, and an endless list of treasured heirlooms, even creating parts to help restore the old Yellowstone tour buses. As a young child, he developed a passion for the outdoors which carried throughout his life in hiking, camping, and fishing. He further challenged himself to remain physically active, participating in triathlons, racquetball, running, biking, skiing, and golf. As a young adult, Keith and his twin brother Kent built a small wooden outboard motorboat and learned to ski like professionals. He generously shared his love of skiing on both liquid and frozen water and was always so happy to patiently teach the kids, cousins, family, and friends how to waterski. Keith and Jean’s shared interests in their house and gardens created a heavenly yard and a fruitful garden.

Keith is survived by his wife Jean, daughters: Suzanne Thomas, Lorie Pugmire (Dave), Julie Barrus, Jenn Gonnelly (Mark), Susie Barrus, Robyn Barrus, Abbey Ash (Jonathan) and grandchildren: Emma Pugmire, Ethan Larsen, Tessa Larsen, Sadie Larsen, Sofie Larsen, Lizzy Ash, Kaitlin Ash, Peter Ash, and Lincoln Ash.

We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Symbii Home Health and Hospice and to sweet caregiver, Mele who assisted both Keith in his final days and Jean in her unwavering devotion to Keith.

Join us in honoring Keith's life and the joy he spread, as we gather to share tales of his adventurous and generous spirit and the moments that made us smile. He may have left this world, but his love remains as vast as the adventurous life he cherished.

Funeral services: LDS Chapel at 8170 South Shorthills Drive, S 3425 E, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Friday, October 31, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, with visitation before from 10:00- 11:00am.

Interment: Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah