Larry Friend Keeler

September 28, 1938 - March 18, 2019

Larry Friend Keeler was born September 28, 1938 in Anoka, Nebraska to Jesse and Ovada (Billiter) Keeler. Larry grew up in Butte, Nebraska, and graduated from Butte High School in 1957. In school, Larry was active in track and field, baseball, basketball, and football. Larry married Helen Hahn on July 19, 1958 at St. Cecilia’s Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born: Mark, Bart, Bruce, and Michelle. Larry and Helen made their home in Omaha throughout their 60 years together. Larry worked for many years for Kellogg’s in Omaha, retiring as the warehouse manager in 1995. Larry was also a member of the “Winnies” ~ a Winnebago Club that would go RV’ing together. He loved to go RV’ing with Helen as well as spending time fishing and doing stained glass art work. Larry was a faithful, thoughtful, and hard-working man. He enjoyed cheering for the Huskers and listening to ‘50’s and ‘60’s dance music. His favorite food was Mom’s bread with her ham and bean soup, and he never said no to a cold Budweiser, or dinner at the Venice Inn. He took pride in his yard and garden work, while growing his favorite flower, the dandelion (LOL). Although laziness was a pet peeve for him, in recent years, he would often tell Helen, “We’ll do that tomorrow.” Larry was a man of few words, and he cherished his years with Helen and the births of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be most remembered as a wonderful example of a man who was devoted to his family. Larry died unexpectedly at his home in Omaha on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse & Ovada Keeler. Larry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen, sons & daughters-in-law Mark & Jeanie Keeler, Bart & Cheryl Keeler, and Bruce & Jodene Keeler, daughter & son-in-law Michelle & Bob Caniglia, 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sister & brother-in-law Linda & Bob Giles, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry Friend Keeler, age 80, of Omaha, died 3/18/19. Preceded in death by parents Jesse & Ovada Keeler. Survived by wife of 60 years, Helen, sons & daughters-in-law Mark & Jeanie Keeler, Bart & Cheryl Keeler, and Bruce & Jodene Keeler, daughter & son-in-law Michelle & Bob Caniglia, 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sister & brother-in-law Linda & Bob Giles, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial Mass 10 AM Saturday, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Visitation Friday from 5-7 PM with a Wake service at 7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Inurnment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.