Keith Zaleski

Keith R. Zaleski, 75,  of Palatine, IL, went to live with his Lord and Savior on December 14, 2025 after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on January 19, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Eugene and Phyllis (Schoen) Zaleski. Keith was a graduate of Illinois State University, where he was a Bone student scholar. Keith was an adventurous entrepreneur. The highlight of his professional career was starting an industrial equipment cleaning business (System Clean) with his business partner and longtime friend, Gary White.

Keith’s passion was cycling. He cycled across the United States and globe, including a year long adventure covering 25 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. If Keith had a motto, it would have been eat, sleep, bike, journal. Keith also enjoyed researching and visiting World War II sites.

Keith is survived by his sister, Carol (Martin) Voorhees of Washington IL; brother Ken Zaleski of Palatine IL; Nephews, Ryan (Jennica) Voorhees of Eureka IL, Drew Voorhees of Metamora IL, Andrew (Jamie) Zaleski of Ishpeming MI; niece, Alexis (Andrew) Rabe of Arlington Heights IL; stepson Brian Holt of Elkhart IN; 10 great nieces and nephews and longtime girlfriend, Lai.

A memorial service for Keith will be held at Washington Presbyterian Church at a later date. Final resting place will be Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL. Davis Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is assisting the family with arrangements.

A scholarship in Keith’s memory has been endowed at Illinois State University so that future generations may be impacted by Keith’s generosity.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home for bringing peace and comfort to Keith during his final weeks of life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keith Zaleski, please visit our floral store.