Keith Fahnhorst obit

Keith V. Fahnhorst obit

 

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Fahnhorst, Keith V. Age 66 of Eden Prairie passed away peacefully June 12, 2018. Survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Susan; daughters Tiffany Fahnhorst, Brittney (Paul) Dotter, Courtney (Eric) Vidrine; grandchildren Nolan, Blair and Bianca; siblings Beverly, David and Jim (Kim) Fahnhorst; mother-in-law Donna Kluska; brother-in-law Michael Kluska; other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents Victor and Gertrude Fahnhorst; father-in-law Richard Kluska; sister-in-law Pamela Kluska and his 210-pound Newfoundland and constant companion, Thor. Keith, a St. Cloud Tech graduate and Minnesota Gopher standout, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2nd round of the 1974 NFL Draft.

He played 14 seasons with the 49ers (1974-87). Elected as a team captain, he helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories. He was a 2x All Pro selection and chosen to the Pro Bowl following the 1985 season. Following his retirement from the NFL, Keith started a successful career as a financial advisor in the Minneapolis area. In 2003, Keith received a kidney transplant from his angel on Earth, Apham Nnaji. With this gift, Keith was able to witness his daughters' college graduations, a medical school graduation, walk two of his daughters down the aisle, and become a beloved "Papa" to his three cherished grandchildren. Keith will be remembered as a gentle giant, a selfless and loving father, and a devoted husband.

Without a doubt, his unshakable faith helped him overcome seemingly insurmountable health obstacles, all the while maintaining his sparkling sense of humor. He was a warrior until the end. Great thanks go out to Apham and Janel Nnaji for the gift of 15 more years of life. Dr. Hassan Ibrahim (our personal miracle worker), the University of MN Nephrology and Transplant teams, and Dr. John Najarian for their tireless efforts in providing the highest standard of medical care. We would also like to express gratitude to the Brain Injury Research Institute. Mass of Christian Burial 3 pm Thursday, June 21 at the Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Ave. S., Edina. Visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Keith's name to The National Kidney Foundation and the San Francisco 49ers Golden Heart.

Fahnhorst, a 273-pound, 6-foot-6-inch lineman from the University of Minnesota, led the San Francisco 49ers in seniority and appeared in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX games.

Fahnhorst's younger brother Jim Fahnhorst played linebacker in the USFL with the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers  and for the 49ers from 1984 to 1990. The brothers were teammates on the 1984 49ers team that won Super Bowl XIX and finished with a 15-1 record.