"Jerry and Elinor were good friends of my mom - Austra Mickelens Blaus - who they knew from Gays Mills. I remember as a kid going to the Keen family farm! What fun! The Blaus family sends their deepest sympathies. Linda Blaus Chin (chicago)"
In loving memory of
Gerald G Keen
March 17, 1932 - November 5, 2011
Gerald (Pat) G. Keen passed away peacefully on November 5, 2011 at Oak Park Care Center in Middleton. He was born at home to George and Maude (Kammerer) Keen on March 17, 1932, the youngest of six children in rural Juda, Wisconsin. Because he was born on St. Patrick's Day, he was lovingly nicknamed "Pat" by his family. Jerry grew up on the family farm, and shared a rich life with his four brothers and one sister.
Jerry attended Union Free High School in Juda, Wisconsin, where he played basketball and was involved in forensics and debate. He graduated in 1950 as the class valedictorian. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, due to his father's health problems, Jerry left the UW to return to the farm. While at the UW, Jerry met Elinor Sherwood whom he later married in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, on June 26, 1954, Together they raised three sons, William Gerald, Lawrence Sherwood and Gary Allen. On December 31, 1967, the family moved to Madison so that Jerry could finish his college degree from the UW where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and then a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance. He was employed by Verona Schools as an elementary guidance counselor from 1970 until his retirement in 1997. There he used magic tricks to help teach his guidance lessons. He was also known for his huge bear hugs given freely to any and all who needed some kindness.
During their 53 years together, Jerry and Elinor shared many hobbies, including genealogy and traveling. They enjoyed participating in counselor workshops all over the country, and they traveled to Europe, especially to Germany, many times. Jerry served in many civic organizations, including as secretary for the Decatur Township School Board, secretary for the Decatur Cheese Factory, a volunteer fund raiser for St. Clare's Hospital in Monroe, and as a choir member at Divine Savior Methodist Church in Madison. He was also a member of the Houdini Club and in his later years took swimming, organ and computer classes.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Elinor, his parents Maude and George, his brothers, Arkell, Roger, Dwight, and Kenneth, and his sisters, Cathy Keyes, and Vivian who died in infancy. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Bill and Lisa, Larry and Clare, and Gary and Cheri, as well as his four beloved granddaughters, Chelsey, Renee, Jenny, and Amanda. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Erma Keen and Doris Keen, Elinor's brothers and their wives, Don and Gerry Sherwood, and Dave and Noralee Sherwood, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Divine Savior United Methodist Church, 5702 South Hill Drive in Madison, on Friday, November 11 at 11a.m. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. The family would like to thank Dr. Lawrence Ozers, the staff at Oak Park and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.
Tributes
"I love reading all these tributes to Mr. Keen. My brother and I both remember him so fondly. I was painfully shy in elementary school but he was always someone I felt comfortable around. I used to love when he pick me and a friend up, one under each arm, and spin us around the other direction. Reading all these tributes brings back even more memories. Thank you to everyone and especially to you Mr. Keen. Rest in peace."
"Thank you everyone for your kind words of sympathy and remembrances. The family enjoys hearing of his good works and how he touched your lives."
"After reading all these messages today and sharing with family and friends at the Church, I realize even more how special Jerry was to so many. His simple acts of kindness in making children feel important had such an impact. It brought tears to my eyes as I read these this afternoon. How wonderful to be remembered by adults who thought the world of you as children. What greater tribute is there in this world?"
"Mr. Keen was such a wonderful man. I spent my childhood at Sugar Creek Elementary and loved getting off the bus and coming in the front doors to his bear hugs. I remember his magic tricks, especially that paper bag that you threw "rocks" at and he would "catch" them by flicking the side of it to sound as if they were real. He also magically made a Model T appear on the back of a ten dollar big once. He was so good he even made them appear on all of them in the whole world. Mr. Keen you made such a difference in my life and in so many children, parents, and teachers lives as well. Thank you."
"Bill, Larry, Gary and families: So sorry I can't be with you today. Keeping all of you in my prayers and close to my heart."
"As an elementary school student, time spent with Mr. Keen has been, by far, one of my favorite childhood memories. He knew when I was waiting for the birth of my little sister and asked me at the front door everyday if she had made an appearance yet! I won't ever forget being greeted each and everyday by such a kind and friendly face. How lucky we all were to have such a great influence as a part of our young lives."
"I am 42 now, and attended Verona schools my whole life. I don't remember all of my teachers, but when I heard the name Mr. Keen, it immediately brought fond memories to mind. Mr. Keen always had a long line of kids waiting in line at recess for a "ride". My favorite was the "tick tock" where he would swing me back and forth - my sister's was the elevator - he would shoot her straight up in the air. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel special. What a wonderful, caring, special man."
"I will never forget Jerry's fantastic smile when he would walk into my classrooms at Sugar Creek! Whether they were five years old or nine years old, those children lit up when he walked through the door for Guidance class! How lucky we all were to have crossed paths with such a special man...."
"I am a Sugar Creek Elementry alumni, now 24 yrs old, and nobody gives hugs like Mr. Keen. Or M&M's for that matter! He was such a positive light in my kid years and this world will dearly miss him."
"I took care of Gerry for over a year at Oak Park Place. It was always a pleasure to care for him. He was such a gentle and kind man. I'll always treasure his hugs; on many occasions they literally made my night. He never gave me a hard time even though at times, I could tell he was in pain. His gentleness and kindness will never be forgotten. Love you Gerry!"
"tho the world has lost a great man he will always be in the hearts of all the children that he graced with his presence. i am now 25 i still remember his many magic tricks from the vanishing pig the rock and paper bag or the amazing dancing man. there was never a day that he couldn't make you smile. my thoughts are with his family."
"I'm 32 and when I think 2nd grade, I think Mr. Keen. The man knew how to make u laugh. I am blessed to have him be a part of my life at one point. Rest in Peace Mr. Keen."
"At age 30, I have very vivid images of Mr. Keen. I remember always getting hugs from him in the hallway. I also remember his jokes and magic tricks. He would pull things out from his shirt sleeves or his "magic box." He definitely made my transition to a new school a positive experience and will be missed by many. "
"Mr. Keen was a special man, me as child he was always fun to be around and iam 49 years old now his fravirite saying CHEERIO
CHEERIO MR KEEN REST IN PEACE
my thoughts and prayers are with his family
JACKIE"
"I only went to the school he taught at for a short period of time, but the biggest memory I have was of Mr. Keen. He went out of his way to greet everyone that came into the school, and he was always showing a magic trick. I will never forget the impact he had, and how much easier he made it to come to school. May he rest in peace. I hope his family knows the impact that he had. "
"What I remember about riding the bus to Verona Elementary (there was only one back then) was an intimidating line of noisy buses, an army of kids who all seemed know better than I what was going on, and Mr. Keen saying, "Cheerio!" As long as he was there, all was well."
"I remember Mr. Keen's just-because bear hugs, the dancing stick man, his magic tricks, his songs, and how he was someone all the children loved. I am 32 years old now, but I remember him and how caring he was. He was my family counselor in elementary school and I remember thinking he was the nicest man I'd ever met. I have so much respect for him and the way he connected with people. Mr. Keen made EVERYONE smile. My thoughts are with his family."
"As a young teacher at Sugar Creek, Jerry was always the person you could count on for a hug and kind words. He always lectured me on saving money and creating a nest egg for the future. We ate lunch together every day for almost five years in the staff lounge. He shared many stories about growing up on the farm. I feel very blessed that I can call Jerry my friend."
"Mr. Keen was a kind and bright spot in the day of each student at Verona. I remember as a soft-hearted kid, Mr. Keen always made me feel important. He was such a natural in his role as counselor. As the news of his passing is shared on Facebook, his family should feel honored to see the wonderful comments and memories so many Verona alum have of their father. We also have fond memories of their mother as well. This world was a far better place because Mr. Keen was in it. He touched lives every day, and his legacy continues in the lives of others."
"Mr. Keen was an important part of my kids' education. Everyone knew and loved Mr. Keen. I will always remember his disappearing pig. We need many more educators like him. He will be missed"
"I cannot remember a single time that I saw or interacted with Mr. Keen where he did not have a smile on his face or a positive thing to say. He was ALWAYS happy to be around us kids, and made us feel so special. He was truly an amazing man, and will be dearly missed by so many. "
"Anyone who went through the Verona Elementary School system is a better person for everything Mr. and Mrs. Keen added to that school. The world seems a little bit darker somehow without them in it. My thoughts and prayers are with their family."
" I remember Mr. Keen fondly. He made me feel welcome after moving to Verona from a Catholic school where things were very different. I also remember "airplane" rides! He was always making everyone laugh. I condsidered him Verona's Mr. Rodgers. He loved everyone just the way you were. If you needed one he always gave you a great big bear hug or sometimes 2. Hearing him say "Cheerio" made you smile. Rest peacefully Mr. Keen, and thank you for the great memories!"
"Mr. Keen was the kind of person every parent would wish their child had contact with. He taught all our children so many wonderful things and they all loved him for it! Thank you, Mr. Keen for being the kind of person all our kids could look up to! God Bless you!"
"I will never forget his puppets and singing "Love is like a magic penny. Hold it tight and you won't have any! Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many, they'll roll all over the floor!". He definitely lived by those words and will always be loved by so many hundreds of students. We are all so lucky to have had him touch our lives."
"Jerry and I worked at Verona Elementary School. His office backed up to our special education room. One St. Pats Day we asked Jerry if he could scatter gold dust on the floor and walk through it while we had the students out of the building. Not only did he scatter dust he but put gold dust on his shoes and walked his shoes up the wall to the air duct that went between the rooms. When we got back the kids all noticed the foot prints and saw that they went up the wall. Of course, the kids began to talk and Jerry talked back through the air ducts. Magic happened. It was so fun watching and listening to the conversations from both sides of the wall. Jerry certainly had a wonderful softness about him with children. It was great working with him through out all those years. Kathleen Rittenberg"
"I have such great memories of Mr Keen from elementary school. "Cheerio" and the rides at recess. He even got me to eat the school beets one day in first grade--he is the only person that has been able to do that--ever. What a great man that touched so many."
"I have fondest memories of Mr. Keen giving hugs and helicopter rides and sending me home at the end of the day with a giant smile and a "cheerio!" He was a great man!"
"To this day (30 some years later) I remember Mr.Keen and how he was always there for us at school - playing on the playground, giving his hugs and always smiling. He was truly an inspiration to many and will be missed. I have never forgotten this person from my early school days. Heaven has another amazing angel! "
"What a great man, who lived a great life. He touched the lives of many students and was always the best part of my day. I remember him, in his snazzy suits, coming Into the classroom with all of his goodies. If his family ever reads this, know that he was adored by many and he changed lives. celebrate his life and accomplishments and know that he did not leave the world without sucesses."
"I wear my hair in a buzz cut because of Mr. Keen. I remember the anticipation when we were told he was coming out to Maple Grove. He had the ability to make you feel that you were the only reason he was there. I also remember his reading to us, the treasures he gave us in those stories. God Bless you, Mr. Keen"
"I remember Mr. Keen's awesome magic tricks!! 22 years later, his name still comes up in conversations and 22 years later I'm still trying to perfect the rock/brown paper bag trick he always played! Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. What wonderful memories I have!!"
"I will always remember the amazing kindness Mr. Keen would show me as a little elementary student. I truly thought he was magic! His bright personality made such an impact on me that I will never forget! How blessed we are to have known him."
"What an amazing man! He affected the lives of so many young people. There isn't one of my classmates that doesn't share fond memories of the man that gave every one he came in contact with a little love and kindness. Sometimes he may have been the only positive kindness a child got in the day and you better believe that made a huge impact on each one of those lives. He was "magical" and always taught us through fun and laughter. How much you will be missed..."
"I worked with Jerry for 13 years at Sugar Creek. He was the heart and soul of our school. The children and staff adored him--with his big magical heart and mighty hugs. He was a source of wisdom and support to me...carrying me through some tragic life moments with my students. The news of his death has affected me deeply. He will live forever in my heart."