Keith R. Lerme's Obituary
Mr. Keith R. Lerme, 64, of Cornelius, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Keith Lerme was a big guy with an even bigger heart. No one was dearer to him than “his girls,” his wife Sherry and daughter Brianna. Keith had dozens of friends and he always made you feel your friendship was family. He kept in touch and picked up right where you left off. Many friendship even dating back to childhood. He loved fishing, especially with his father. He loved food because of the togetherness it brought with the gathering of friends and family over a good meal. Keith was rascal who never outgrew his sense of mischief and had nicknames for everyone. He was a story teller that made you laugh at the crazy life he lived as a young adult.
Keith was born in New York to Madeline and Joseph Lerme. He attended Purdue University and received an MBA from University of CA, Irvine. In 1993 Keith married Sherry Hjelm, the love of his life, and they settled in Fraser, Colorado for three years, where their daughter Brianna was born. The family lived for 23 years in Crestwood, KY before moving to Cornelius, NC in 2019.
Most of Keith’s career was in the food business: Hyatt Hotel, KFC, Barnes & Noble, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Rusty Pelican, and Sullivan culinary school. However, most impact-fully to him, was his time working for Make A Wish. He was a coach and a leader to so many throughout his career and made a powerful impact on so many.
Keith is survived by his wife, Sherry; daughter Brianna Honn; son-in-law Adam Honn; and sister, Deborah Lerme Goodman. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Keith’s honor may be made to Atrium Health Foundation where all donations go directly to Atrium Health Liver and Pancreatic Care Advancement Fund that supports local research designed to advance the treatment and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, https://fundraise.atriumhealthfoundation.org/fundraiser/5143276
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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