John Herman Keel

JOHN HERMAN KEEL, 97, Marshfield, died on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Wells Nature View Assisted Living surrounded by loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at 11m Friday, March 11, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Kevin Buchanan officiating. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield.

Visitations will be from 5-7pm Thursday at the Rembs Funeral Home and again on Friday at the church from 10am until time of services.

Born April 17, 1918, in Monroe, Wisconsin to Everett and Marie (Steinmann) Keel. Upon graduating from the Monroe Public Schools in 1936, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin--Whitewater, graduating in 1941, after having enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve.

In 1942 he was assigned for training at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he received his commission as an ensign. After several other training assignments, he was sent to Charleston S.C. to serve aboard the USS Stanly, a destroyer that was being fitted-out for service in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard this ship as a line officer until the end of WWII. The ship was a member of a destroyer squadron that took part in many engagements in the South Pacific and Pacific Theatre. The squadron, Desron 23, was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its distinguished service. The ship was returning to San Francisco for repairs after being attacked by Japanese Kamikazes, when the war ended and Lt. Keel was honorably discharged in August 1945.

In 1944, during a refitting visit to San Francisco, John married Patricia Jane Plumb on August 22, 1944 at the Congregational Church in Brodhead, Wisconsin. They shared a short honeymoon in California until John sailed again. After his discharge in 1945 both John and Patricia worked for a prominent photographic studio in Milwaukee until April of 1947 when they opened the John H. Keel Photography Studio in Marshfield. Mr. Keel was very active in photographic groups, especially the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association where he served two terms as president, in 1957 and again in 1964. He held a Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America. Mr. Keel retired from the business in 1985 when it was sold to their son David.

He was active in the city through the years, including memberships in the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the Rotary Club and the RiverEdge Country Club. He was a long time member and past Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church.

After retiring Mr. and Mrs. Keel spent many years traveling. They especially enjoyed the freedom of motor homing for a 6-year period, when they traveled through most of the states. In his later years Mr. Keel was a very avid golfer and enjoyed the camaraderie the game provided with both young and old associates.

He is survived by his two sons, John (Jack) Howard Keel of Madison, and David Everett Keel (Chris Haley) of Marshfield. Three grandchildren, Kelly Keel (Cale) Bredemann of Marshfield; Molly (Kyle) McMullin of Taos, NM; and Seth (Janet) Keel of Madison. He is further survived by six great-grandchildren; Keller Kenneth and Colby David Bredemann, Marshfield; Ani Amaya Keel, California; Finn Alpha and Helena True McMullin, Taos, NM; Eleanor Adeline Keel, Madison, WI. And a brother, Tom (Marge) Keel of Lake Mills, WI. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Helyn Keel of Honolulu, HI, his brother Dr. Harris Keel of Madison, his beloved grandson Christopher David Keel of Marshfield, and the love of his life Patricia.