Thelma “Kay” Daum (Keckler)
May 25, 1936 - April 19, 2025
Kay Daum passed away on April 19, 2025 age 88 in Hemet California. Kay was born in Stevens Point Wisconsin on May 25, 1936 but grew up in Kenosha Wisconsin. Besides attending local schools she spent much of her childhood as a member of the Kenosha Youth Foundation swim team where she eventually became AAU State Champion in the 300 yard Individual Medley. (Only 3 swimming strokes and no girls high school sports back in the early 1950’s) More important while on the swim team she met Richard Daum whom she married on May 5, 1956.
Following her marriage Kay joined her new husband (now in the Marine Corps) at his duty station in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Following Marine Corps duty they made their home back in Kenosha eventually living on a small farm in Pleasant Prairie. In 1958 son Michael was born and in 1959 son Charles was born. In August 1963 Kay returned to competitive swimming for one day winning a 10 mile race in Lake Michigan. Kay also won many swimming medals in the local and national Senior Olympics in her later years.
Richard was reactivated in the Marine Corps in 1966. Following his return from Vietnam, the farm was sold and the family began Marine Corps life once again. Over the years the family lived in: Quantico, Virginia; Iwakuni, Japan; 29 Palms, California; Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; Pensacola Florida and Camp Pendleton, California. In 1984 Richard retired from Marine Corps active duty and in 1994 Richard and Kay moved to Hemet, California.
While her son’s lived at home Kay kept busy attending their school and sporting events. She was involved in teaching, coaching and directing various swimming programs and swim teams mostly as a volunteer. She last coached the 29 palms city swim team. Kay also worked various paid jobs including 5 years as a secretary at the Oceanside City Police Department. In 1982 Richard and Kay purchased their first motorhome. Over the next 35 years RV camping became the focal point of their recreation. Their many trips across the country and to Alaska brought many good times. On many occasions they brought the Grand Kids along which provided a lifetime of happy memories.
Kay Daum is survived by her son Michael (Misako), 2 Grand Daughters Chaz (Clayton) and Cassidy, and Grand Sons Cary and Colton. She has also been blessed with 3 Great Grand Daughters and 1 Great Grand Son. Kay was preceded in death by her husband Richard and son Charlie.
Graveside service will be 11:30 am on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
