Keith Lennart Alm Sr.

Keith Lennart Alm Sr. passed away on August 12, 2024 surrounded by family in North Carolina.

He lived by two philosophies: first, if we can dream it, we can do it, and second, we must always look forward.
On these principles, he built a world of purpose, generosity, and adventure — a world that lives on in the many people to whom he gave the gift of opportunity.

Keith was born on November 2, 1942, in Chicago, IL to first-generation Swedish immigrants Okeh and Britta Schönning Alm. He graduated from Bradley University in 1965 with a degree in marketing and began his career.

In 1975, his work took him to Winston-Salem, NC where he met and married the love of his life and began a family with the birth of two sons. Over the next four decades he traveled the world, often with family in tow, and put down roots in their favorite places: Lake Norman, NC, Kansas City, MO, and Aspen, CO.

Throughout his life, Keith had a passion for business strategy and education. He graduated from Wake Forest University Babcock School of Management in 1978, and founded the Hanes Printables Division of Hanesbrands Inc., where he served as President and CEO for ten years. He later served as CEO and Corporate SVP of Asia Pacific/Latin America for Sara Lee Corporation, and as President of Hallmark International. He also held seats on numerous corporate, university, and philanthropic boards including Beaulieu International Group, McKee Foods, Follett Corporation, Wells Enterprises, Wake Forest Board of Visitors, Bradley University, Washington University in St. Louis Sam Fox School’s National Council, and the International Relations Council. He received the Sara Lee Corporation Builders Award, and was named Director of the Year, Family Business, by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

We remember him in many contexts. As a hero to his family. As a devoted father and granddad. As a fierce and ethical competitor in business. As a craftsman, drummer, and fan of horsepower. As a sailor, who welcomed all aboard.
Keith is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Beth” Ritchie Alm, sons Keith Alm, Jr. and wife Katherine, Michael Alm and wife Ashley; grandchildren Ford, Grady, and Stewart Alm, a granddaughter due in December; and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Concord, NC at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 28, 2024 with a reception following the service in the church Fellowship House. A second service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208 with a reception to follow.

Details are available at: Wilkinson Funeral Home .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Missouri Chapter of the Nature Conservancy to support the Dunn Ranch Prairie in memory of Keith: Make a Donation | The Nature Conservancy .