John William "Bill" Keeney Obituary (1933

John William "Bill" Keeney, the son of Mable (Blincow) and John D. Keeney, was born March 8, 1933 at Oxford, Nebraska. He departed this life on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Village in Hastings, Nebraska at the age of 80 years, 7 months and 29 days. Bill grew up in Webster County and received his formal education attending the Cowles schools, graduating with the class of 1951. He continued his education attending Milford Technical School for two years. On August 10, 1952 he was united in marriage with Ella Mae Mohlman at Blue Hill, Nebraska. A veteran of the United States Army, Bill served his country from May 21, 1953 until his discharge on May 9, 1955. Bill and Ellie were blessed with a son and three daughters. They lived in Hastings for a time where he was employed in the maintenance department with Spencer Park. In 1956, they moved to their farm home south of Cowles where he farmed. They later owned and operated Stockaid Liquors until their retirement in January of 2012. Due to his failing health, Bill resided for a time at Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud before moving to the Good Samaritan Village in Hastings. Bill was active in several community organizations including the Zion Lutheran Church, the board of directors for the Webster County Museum, the Red Cloud Jaycee's and the Cowles American Legion Post. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing and camping. Bill's personality was pervaded by his warmth and sincerity. He always took a personal interest in his friends and neighbors. His greatest love and enthusiasm in life was for his family and he especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and following their many activities. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Mable Keeney. Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Ella Mae Keeney of Hastings, Nebraska; his children, Charles John Keeney and wife Debra of Kearney, Nebraska; Kathy Keeney of Papillion, Nebraska; Cynthia Johnson and husband Jim of Hastings, Nebraska and DeeAnn Dupler and husband Mike of Grand Island, Nebraska. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a sister Kay James of Ottawa, Illinois, a brother Tom Keeney and wife Pat of Callaway, Nebraska, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., November 13, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Chad Boggs officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Blue Hill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Webster County Museum, the Cowles Legion Post or the Zion Lutheran Church. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970 Phone: 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com