James D. “Jim” Keil, 82, formerly of St. Donatus, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Wheatland Manor in Wheatland, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Donatus Catholic Church in St. Donatus, Iowa, with Rev. Ray Burkle officiating. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m to 2:00 p.m. on Friday prior to the service. Burial will be in St. Donatus Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors Conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273.

Jim was born October 25, 1943, in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of Lloyd and Lola (Leonard) Keil. He graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School before enlisting in the United States Army in 1964. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim married the love of his life, Sarah “Sally” Bousselot, on June 17, 1967, she passed on June 7, 2011. Together, they began their life in Bellevue before eventually making their home on an acreage near St. Donatus.

Jim worked at John Deere in Dubuque for 30 years before retiring in 1993. Even after retirement, Jim continued working alongside his boys, Bryan and Pat, in their construction and home-improvement businesses.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his daily coffee with friends at Kalmes Restaurant. Jim and Sally shared a love of music and enjoyed singing in the St. Donatus Catholic Church choir and attending weekly Mass.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children, Patrick Keil (Cheryl Simmons) of Riverside, Iowa; Andrea (Larry Roberson) Keil of Dubuque; Bryan (Tina) Keil of Lansing, Iowa; and Jessica Keil of Kansas City, Missouri; and his five grandchildren, Jake (Heather) Keil, Daniel Keil, Riley, Mickey and Flynn Keil.

He is also survived by his brother David (Mary) Keil of DeWitt; sister-in-law Janet Keil of Bellevue; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Stephen Bousselot (Dena Manderscheid) of Welton; Thomas (Rita) Bousselot of Calamus; Philip (Mary) Bousselot of DeWitt; Jacqueline (Mark) Jacobsen of DeWitt; Barbara (Terry) McSherry and Richard (Marci) Bousselot, both of Arizona; Francis (Frances) Bousselot of Alabama; Therese (Daniel) Stafne of Minnesota; and Mary Bousselot of DeWitt, along with many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lola Keil; his wife, Sally; his sisters, Gloria “Dottie” (Vincent) Sturm, and Judy (Bob) Ernst; and his brother, Lloyd “Bud” Keil, and brothers in-law, James and Patrick Bousselot, as well as members of his extended family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wheatland Manor for the love, care and compassion shown to Jim.

Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his friendships, his sense of community, and the many simple pleasures he enjoyed throughout his life. From coffee with friends to time spent hunting, fishing, singing at church and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Jim found joy in the people and moments that mattered most. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com or Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service Facebook Page.