Richard Keil

Richard (Dick) Keil, 101, of Bellevue, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Mill Valley Care Center, surrounded by his family. Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 29 at St. Johns Lutheran Church; Bellevue officiated by Pastor Paul Gammelin. Burial will be in St. Johns Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 28 at Kingery~Lemke Funeral Home and again Saturday at St. Johns Church from 9:30 until time of service. Richard was born on December 10, 1906 in Bellevue, son of Henry and Lena (Cornelius) Keil. He married Thelma Hoyt on June 14, 1934. Richard lived in Bellevue all his life, except for attending Bayless Business College, Dubuque, and worked for Reniers in Dubuque, for 8 yrs. In returning to Bellevue, he started Keil Electric, pioneering in appliances, television, and wiring, from 1930-1960. He continued to partner with his son owning Keil Electric for 70 years. He was known for his walking. He liked to hunt, fish, garden, travel, and camp. He loved animals and enjoyed visiting with customers, families, and friends. He attended St. John Lutheran Church all his life. He belonged to Lutheran Brotherhood, was a member of the city council, and Izaac Walton League. Surviving are his son, Ivan (Janice) Keil, Bellevue, and daughter Norma Vozzola, Bellevue, grandchildren Scott (Alma) Reed, Eric (Charma ) Axtell, Kemis Hoyt, Dixie Lennie, Cheryl (Stan) Drey, Marcy (Dale) Cain, ten great grandchildren, and nieces, and nephews. His parents, wife, and one brother, Ardo, and his two sisters, Etta Feye, and Alice Barker, half sister Lillian Winlader. His family wishes to thank Mill Valley Care Center for their care and to St. John Lutheran Church for their visits and to everyone who knew and loved Richard. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lemkefuneralhome.net.