Keith Ervin Bottorff

Keith E. Bottorff, 76, passed away June 13, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 7, 1950 in Webster City, IA. Keith was the eldest son of the late Kenneth and Kathryn (Burcham) Bottorff.

Keith is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Nan Vail; two brothers Kevin (Linda) Bottorff of Ellsworth, IA and Kyle (Peggy) Bottorff of Newark, DE; five nieces and nephews Danielle (Michael) Kist, Kieler (Amanda) Bottorff, Juliet Bottorff (Adam Behrens), Cara (Keenan) Fogler and Cole Bottorff, all who adored him. Keith is also warmly remembered by the Bottorff's foreign exchange student, Ulf Dammann (Carolin) of Berlin, Germany. And dearly missed by Nan’s family Tom (Theresa) of Louisville, KY; Kent Vail of Bealeton, VA and Susan Vail (Gary Bentley) of Venice, FL. Along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Keith graduated from South Hamilton High School in Jewell, IA and went on to graduate from Morningside University in Sioux City, IA. He owned Suchart Vend Brokerage for over 30 years, a small food brokerage specializing in the vending trade. His family and friends knew him as “The Snack Man” or “The Candy Man”. He would use snacks as packing material for gift boxes – always a hit.

Keith married Nan on May 26, 2003. They worked hard and played harder, going to restaurants, the theater and symphony and getting to travel quite a bit together, which they loved.

Keith had a quick wit, a generous heart, and a knack for making everyone laugh. He was known for his big personality and unwavering dedication to those he loved. He took great pride in doing things the right way. Holidays with family were among his favorites, spending time in Iowa and Delaware with nieces and nephews and their kids. Keith believed a good meal, with gravy, could solve more problems than people realized.

He loved to play golf and got a hole-in-one in 2012, which he loved telling everyone. He always had a great time playing golf with his wife and friends. He also enjoyed volunteering with Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. He was honored when they nominated him as a ’70 over 70’ volunteer.

A memorial service celebrating Keith's life will be held on July 10: Visitation at 11:30, Service at 1pm at Johnson County Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. We invite all who knew and loved Keith to join us in honoring his memory.

Keith's legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love will be carried on by those who knew and adored him. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Keith's memory to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.