Keith R. Gertsch

Keith Gertsch, born January 13, 1953, in Midway, Utah, as the first child to Reed and Maxine Gertsch, died on April 6, 2026, from heart failure. Keith lived his entire life in Midway, Utah. He was raised with strong Swiss family traditions, where life on the farm instilled in him the value of hard work from an early age.

He worked construction for many years in Salt Lake with Christensen Construction. Then he followed his dream of being his own boss and started Midway Saddle Tree. He was a dedicated craftsman of Western heritage, known for his work as a custom saddle tree maker, and his work was highly sought after.

He married Suzanne Lloyd, and together they had two daughters. He later divorced. He then married Donna Lynne Jackson. Together they found a special happiness, blending their families and bonding over mountain jeep rides.

He had a love for the outdoors, hunting, and classic Quarter Horses. To him, a good horse wasn’t just an animal—it was a partner.

Keith found joy in giving his grandchildren wide-open fields to roam and snowmobiles to ride, creating a lifetime of memories.

Preceded in death by spouse, Donna; stepdaughter, Cindy Olinghouse; parents; and brother Steven. Survived by: his brothers, Jon (Arleen) Gertsch and Lynn Gertsch; his daughters, Sunny (Ra) Yeates and Stefannie Phillips; stepson, Jason Parker; grandchildren, Kimberly Beard, Blake Kohler, Carson Kohler, Zak Phillips, Benjamin Kohler, Gavin Phillips, Sydney Phillips, and Brayden Phillips; and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held, date and time to be announced.

He will be laid to rest in Midway Cemetery.