Keith James Van Orden

Keith James Van Orden

Cedar Rapids

Keith James Van Orden, 66, passed away from a sudden, unexpected stroke on Sept. 23. He was born in Westwood, NJ on Nov. 27, 1957 to Veronica and Clifford Van Orden. He graduated from Westwood High School, moved to Iowa City in 1976 and attended Kirkwood Community College. His passion was cooking and he worked in that profession most of his life, making many friends along the way. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. He was fanatical about the NY Jets and NY Mets.

He is survived by his sisters Jennifer Murphy, Pamela Smith (Mike), Melissa Hesseltine and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nephews and -nieces, and his kitty, Rowdy. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and his older brother, Ronald Van Orden. Keith’s favorite quote was “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” and is you looked in his garage, you would understand what he meant.

A celebration of his life will be held at Just Jules Pub and Restaurant at 835 Center Point Rd., Cedar Rapids, from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 20.