Reidar Martin Keating
Reidar Martin Keating of Grand Ledge, Michigan died January 15, 2026 after a long battle with addiction and mental health issues.
Reidar was born in Boston, MA on April 10, 1970 the son of the late Joseph F. Keating and Carole J. Forsyth. He and his family lived in Pembroke, MA for his early years and later moved to Scituate, MA where he graduated from High School.
He went on to college and in 1997, received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Theater from Western State College in Colorado.
After graduation from college, Reidar moved to Denver where he started a family, and where he worked in Hospitality, Real Estate and a Finance role for Mortgage Lenders.
The family eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan where he worked as a Compliance Analyst, for the State of Michigan, Department of Transportation.
From a young age, Reidar’s father instilled a sense of humor and curiosity about life in both his sons.
Reidar carried these qualities and, in turn, instilled them in his own kids. He could light up a room with his “dad” jokes, impressions of certain characters such as Homer Simpson, and his quick wit.
He loved a good adventure or challenge, taking up scuba diving, flying lessons, riding motorcycles, bungee jumping, playing guitar, and many outdoor pursuits. Reidar’s charm, infectious smile, and love of music, especially The Beatles and The Grateful Dead, endeared him to many. He had a knack for making connections with people and he cultivated deep friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Reidar was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jeffrey Keating and his stepmother Eileen Keating. He is survived by his daughters Eleanor and Lillian Keating, his step siblings Lise Knakkergaard, Thora Burkhardt and Lars Knakkergaard, his nephews and nieces Joseph Jr. Keating, Erik, Aren, and Mia Hylan and Nathan and Leah Burkhardt, his aunt Marcia Kressmann, and cousins Kari Hoddeson and Ross Biddle.
Service to be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St., Lansing, MI 48906, starting at 12:00 p.m.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
11 Messages to “Reidar Martin Keating”
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Mary Braxton
February 15, 2026 at 11:16 pmAs your ex-wife, I would sincerely like to thank you Reidar for many reasons; all the things you taught me, the way you made me laugh, how you took care of me when I was sick, rising to the occasion and helping me care for my Mother as she was aging and had health issues, for being strong for me when I needed it, but most of all, I thank you Reidar for giving me the 2 very best things in my entire life, our children, Eleanor and Lillian Keating. Nothing will ever even come close to these greatest gifts.
May you rest in peace.
Mary Braxton
Evelyn Coats
February 16, 2026 at 1:10 amThe Keating family will be in my prayers, You can shine through the dark; I believe in you guys.
John Brown
February 16, 2026 at 10:18 amParty on my friend. You will be missed
Sage Mehew
February 17, 2026 at 9:27 amWhat do you think of this:
“As everyone can attest, Reidar was so much more than a person who struggled with addiction. He was thoughtful, considerate and gracious. He fought for his sobriety, he fought for his family, he went to bat for his friends. Always willing to extend a helping hand to those who needed it, Reidar had one of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
He deeply loved his daughters, and always, ALWAYS had stars in his eyes every time he spoke of them. The adoration was palpable, and ever-present.
The many memories I have of Reidar span across over a quarter of a century. They include the love of our friendship, laughing until we cried, crying until we laughed, grieving those we lost, celebrating major triumphs and, when required, giving each other profound pep talks.
Reidar, you will be incredibly missed and never forgotten. If your life can leave us with one lesson, let it be that we love one another through our humanness and never be afraid to reach out for help.
“There but for fortune go I” – Joan Baez”
Maureen Murray
February 19, 2026 at 12:17 pmSpot on, Sage! Thank you for writing what needed to be said. He loved you dearly.
Sage
February 20, 2026 at 10:25 amBless you, Maureen. Sending so much love to you and all of those grieving.
Sage
February 20, 2026 at 11:10 amOh gosh I didn’t mean to include “what do you think of this” at the top of my comment; I’d sent to Patrick to proofread and missed that detail when I pasted. I’m sure Reidar would have found that error *highly* amusing (or rolled his eyes at me, at least!), given our mutual love of writing.
Chris Shump
February 20, 2026 at 4:23 pmThank you for saying that! One of the kindest souls I have ever known.
Patrick
February 20, 2026 at 12:08 pmHe was so much more than a person who struggled with mental health and addiction issues. He was generous, kind, funny and had one of the biggest hearts I’ve known. Goodbye friend. I hope you’ve found the happiness you so deserved here. Arrrrgh!
Matthieu Cornillon
February 20, 2026 at 10:45 pmI knew Reidar through my father’s cousin Eileen, his stepmother. We spent very little time together: a couple of Thanksgivings almost 40 years ago, and a few moments at Eileen’s memorial. But Reidar loomed large for me. I remember a feeling of awe at just how funny this guy was that I met at Thanksgiving. Telling others about him and looking forward to seeing him again.
Looking through the memorial slideshow, I saw that infectiously funny soul jump out of the pictures. I wish I had known him more, but I’m grateful for what little time I had with him.
I send best wishes to all of those grieving his passing.
Jessica Vandrew
March 8, 2026 at 3:42 pmAlmost 28 years ago, a mutual and dear friend told me that one of his “college buddies” would be joining us – at the last minute – for our annual trip to Vegas. I was apprehensive about having an “outsider” join us. Two beds in the hotel room—where will he sleep? Will he get our inside jokes? Will he survive our antics? But within minutes of meeting Reidar, any doubt I had vanished. There was something in his presence—genuine, open, and unassuming—that drew you in effortlessly.
Over the years, I came to know him the way so many others did: a man whose warmth was effortless, whose humor was sharp and contagious, and whose sincerity was never in question. Reidar had the rare gift of making connections that lasted – not because he tried, but because he truly cared. Somehow, he just knew when someone needed support or a friend. From across the room, he could notice what no one else did, and that glance, paired with his unmistakable grin, was enough to let you know he was there. His quick wit could turn any moment into laughter, and his grin alone could lift the heaviest of moods. Beneath all the humor was a deeply caring and loyal friend, someone who cherished connection and carried his friendships with sincerity and heart. I will always be grateful to have known him and to have called him my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him—friends and family alike. May you find comfort in one another and in the many lives he touched. Reidar will be remembered with great affection.