Bernard F. “Bernie” Keeler

Bernard F. “Bernie” Keeler, age 86 of Arkansaw, died Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Plum City Care Center in Plum City.
Bernie was born on August 29, 1929 in the Big Arkansaw Valley in the Town of Waterville. He was the son of William and Bessie (LaPean) Keeler. He grew up in the Arkansaw area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1947. Bernie married Joyce Hubbard on January 10, 1951. Bernie enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served stateside until being Honorably Discharged in 1954. After his discharge Bernie brought his family home to Wisconsin. He worked for several farms and his own farm for many years before taking a job at the Durand Implement. Bernie worked at the Durand Implement for 27 years including being the shop manager at the Ford New Holland Implement in Ellsworth. In retirement Bernie still worked on implements and at the Wal-Mart in Red Wing, MN.
Bernie enjoyed bowling, playing cards, fishing, hunting and softball. He was a 4th Degree Member of the Durand Knights of Columbus and the Maiden Rock American Legion Post #158. Most of all, Bernie loved spending time with family and friends.
Bernie is survived by his children; Belinda (Robert) Anderson of Fountain City, Alan of Cochrane, Christine (John) Halling of Alma, Debbie (Craig) Barnes of Wabasha, MN, Elwyn of Arkansaw, Freda (David) Anderson, of Pepin, Gordon (Bonnie) of Whitehall, Wanda (David) Makis of Shakopee, MN and Robert (Anita) of Menomonie, 22 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, companion; Doris Fuller of Red Wing, MN, four step-siblings; Gwelda Glaus of Durand, Giles (Marge) Patnode of Brooklyn Park, MN, Warren Patnode of Durand and Fern (Gene) Ingalls of Remer, MN, two sisters-in-law; Jane Keeler of Arkansaw and Evelyn Keeler of Rosemount, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Joyce, a daughter; Marie in infancy, siblings; Ruth Klein, Mildred Berger, Margaret “Peg” Glaus, William “Bill” Keeler, Isabelle “Izzy” Berger and Phillip Keeler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Maiden Rock American Legion Post #158. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.