Wayne Keel

Wayne D. Keel, age 86, of Miles, Iowa, died Monday, October 28, 2008 at Mill Valley Care Center, Bellevue, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 1, 2008 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Preston, Iowa, with Father Paul Lippstock as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Irenaeus Cemetery, Clinton, Iowa with full military rites accorded by the Miles American Legion Spencer-Cook Post #677. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Church. A memorial fund has been established in Wayne’s memory.

Wayne was born December 29, 1921 in Miles the son of Detlef and Adelia (Miller) Keel. He graduated from Miles with the class of 1939. He enlisted in the United States Navy June 1942 and worked with the Seabees, he was honorably discharged December 1945. Wayne married Geraldine M. Losey on June 14, 1948 in Clinton, Iowa. Geraldine passed away on September 4, 2006 in Clinton, Iowa. Wayne worked as a carpenter and with heavy construction until his retirement in 1983.

Wayne was a member of the Local 772 in Clinton, Iowa for over 38 years, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Preston and the Miles American Legion Post 677. He enjoyed gardening and carpentry work. Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family.

Wayne will be dearly missed by his two sons, Thomas (Connie) Keel of Coralville, Iowa, James Keel of New Orleans, Louisiana; a daughter Anne (James) Jochum of Bettendorf, Iowa; three grandchildren, Michelle (Joshua) Haveman, David Keel and Kate Jochum; and two great-grandchildren, Isiah and Ezra Havemen.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; wife Geraldine; and two brothers, Wilbert "Bill" Keel and Bernard Thompson.