Roberts, Dr. Keith Alan of Minneapolis, a husband of 50 years, father, grandfather, college professor, and author, died on Friday, July 27, 2018, following almost two years with cancer. He married his high school sweetheart, a fellow educator with whom he shared a passion for teaching. He was a caring and doting father, always present at his kids' events, always ready to listen and provide advice. He took expansive summer trips with his family, staying in a pop-up camper at national parks. In a similar child-loving spirit to his mother, he was overjoyed to see grandchildren, ready to kid them and make them the center of attention. Roberts won various teaching awards, including the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Sociology Awards from the American Sociological Association. He chaired Hanover College's sociology department for 15 years and authored / coauthored textbooks, including Religion in Sociological Perspective and Our Social World. He co-created and initially co-funded the Sage Teaching Innovations & Professional Development Award, which has awarded more than $200,000 in teaching workshop scholarships. In retirement, Roberts taught for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, testified at the legislature on systemic racism, and participated in social justice groups. Following his cancer diagnosis, he authored the book Meaning Making with Malignancy, an account of his efforts to continue to define reality and embrace life when confronted with a serious illness. Roberts is survived by his wife, social justice activist and retired professor Judith Conkle Roberts, three children, and five grandchildren. His memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 4, at Mayflower United Church of Christ (106 E. Diamond Lake Rd., Minneapolis), where he was an active member. In lieu of flowers, Roberts asked that donations instead be given to Witness for Peace Midwest (actionnetwork.org/fundraising/…) or ISAIAH (isaiahmn.org/).

Published on August 1, 2018