We are deeply sad to remember Keith Henry Hasty, who left us on April 7th, 2025, at the age of 80. He was a cherished member of the Whittemore community and will be missed by many. His presence brought joy to those around him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. Keith was born to the late Henry and Geraldine (Leslie) Hasty on October 27, 1944, in West Branch, Michigan. He has been a lifelong member of the community, a graduate of Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools, and a local business owner for 46 years.
Keith had an impeccable work ethic that has been passed down through the generations. He started delivering newspapers at the age of 12, and often told the story of being the youngest kid in town with a bank account. Keith also worked at the Detroit Mackinaw Ranch herding cattle until he found out he was allergic to horses and cows. In the summers, Keith would spend time at the family cabin on Londo Lake. This is where he met the love of his life, Sherry Marie (Bartlett) Hasty.
Keith and Sherry were joined in marriage on October 17th, 1966. Following their marriage, they moved to Grand Ledge, where they welcomed their firstborn child, Tara Ann Hasty (Hostetler) April 8th, 1968. Eventually, they moved back to Whittemore, and welcomed a second child on May 27th, 1971, in West Branch; Bradley Keith Hasty. At this time, Keith was employed by Iosco County Road Commission. As the story goes… 46 years ago, Keith was eating lunch, leaning against the heavy equipment machine he was running that day. An elderly man walked out to get his mail and asked Keith if he ever wanted to own his own business. Keith replied, “Yes,” and the rest became history.
Forty-six years ago, Keith and Sherry Hasty opened a candy factory, known as Sherni’s Candies, on the corner of M-55 and M-65. For more than half of those forty-six years, Bradley worked side-by-side with his father. The candy shop employed many local people and family members; and those locals became family! Keith loved the fact that his family worked hard to carry on his legacy as the “Candy Man”.
When Keith wasn’t working, he spent time at the Hasty Deer Camp, a family establishment in National City, where three generations of the Hasty family hunted. In the beginning, he took his grandson Tyler hunting, and in the end, Tyler took his grandfather hunting. Keith loved spending time with his grandchildren and establishing family traditions. In his earlier years, he and Sherry loved taking the kids camping, especially at their site in Lost Valley Campground. Keith was an avid golfer, as was Sherry; this tradition will be carried on by two of his grandsons. As the years accumulated, Keith’s green thumb surfaced, and he took a strong interest in gardening. Keith spent many hours perfecting the growth of pumpkins for the grandkids for Halloween and producing the most impressive flower beds at the Candy Shop. Keith loved the outdoors, and several years back he created a bird sanctuary with feeders and a bird bath to keep Sherry’s mind busy after she retired.
Nine short months have passed since the Lord cradled Sherry in His arms, granting her eternal peace with angel wings. The weight of this profound loss hung heavily on Keith. Keith and Shery would have celebrated 59 years of marriage in October. Now, with a heart full of sorrow, he has reunited with Sherry, along with his beloved parents, Henry and Geraldine Hasty, his brother Fred, and nephew Christopher. The void he leaves behind is significant; a testament to the love and memories that will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew him. Keith leaves behind his daughter Tara (Hasty) Hostetler and husband, Scott; their children Hailey Hostetler and Tyler Hostetler; Son Bradley Hasty, and his wife, Heather; their four children, Brittany (Hasty) Prusick, her husband, Jarred Prusick, Arika Hasty and her fiance, Brant Mast, Carter Nelkie and Colton Hasty. Keith also leaves behind his brother, Ken Hasty; and two great-grandchildren; Ryker and Blakely Prusick.
A service honoring Keith will take place April 26, 2025, at Whittemore United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place from 10:00 – 12:00 with a service beginning at 12:00. A luncheon will follow the service, and Keith will be laid to rest next to Sherry at Saints Cemetery in Whittemore.
