Evansville- Earl Leroy Keehn, 87, passed away on March 4, 2013 following a brief illness. He was born on July 11, 1925 in Brooklyn, son of Theodore and Celia Irene (Smith) Keehn.
On February 14, 1951 Earl married Lavon "Bonnie" Peetz. Earl was a life long farmer in the Evansville/Cooksville area. He took great pride in his dairy and tobacco farm. Earl was a tobacco buyer for many years and loved to visit with the local farmers. He also enjoyed to garden and watch things grow, sharing the produce with friends and family. Earl was especially proud of the "Bonnie-Best" apple tree, propagated on his farm and later sold through Jung Seeds. Earl and Bonnie later took part in the local farmer's markets, where they loved to sell their goods, visit, and share ideas. After retiring from farming, Earl and Bonnie, along with his sister and brother in law, Eunice (Jerome) Grunnet, traveled to many countries. Earl loved to laugh and tell stories of their travels. He also liked to share stories of his childhood, especially of the pranks and fun.
Earl had a talent for fixing things and was always willing to lend a helping hand assisting family and friends repairing just about anything. He was known as the "fix it guy". Earl did not like to throw out anything since most anything could be fixed. He loved to play cards. Earl also enjoyed dartball, and a good polka dance. He was a member of Stoughton Baptist Church and Farmer's Market Assoc.
He is survived by his children, Bruce (Diane) Keehn, Clarice (Dennis) Green, Joyce (Bruce) Komarowski, Marie (Tom) Schmidt and Ted (Lisa) Keehn; grandchildren, Melissa (Wyatt) Fellows, Jenny Green, Jeff Keehn, Erica and Andrew Keehn and Katrina Schmidt; sisters, Eunice (Jerome) Grunnet, and Leona Arn (friend, Stan); brother, Donald (Ruth) Keehn; sister-in-laws, Sarah Keehn and Caroline Peetz. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie; and son, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday March 9, 2013 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of services Saturday. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Stoughton. Burial will take place, after the luncheon at the Cooksville Cemetery.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244
Joyce Keehn Komarowski wrote on Mar 5, 2013:
"Earl's Final Words
Just about two hours before his passing, Daddy and I were having a conversation. Of course, he was saying all his favorite expressions like; That's OK, Ya Ya, We're going to make her now" etc etc I asked him a few questions and he answered. One was just precious....Daddy, Where are you going? ...biggest smile I've ever seen from him "Heaven"!!! Even the nurse at hospice said she knew there was something special about him. She also said she's never seen anyone in such a hurry to get to Heaven. Awe.....I love my Daddy so much and am forever grateful for his love and friendship. "I'll see you later, Daddy" Your Joyce"