Bernard F. “Bernie” Keeler, age 86 of Arkansaw, died Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Plum City Care Center in Plum City.

Bernie was born on August 29, 1929 in the Big Arkansaw Valley in the Town of Waterville. He was the son of William and Bessie (LaPean) Keeler. He grew up in the Arkansaw area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1947. Bernie married Joyce Hubbard on January 10, 1951. Bernie enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served stateside until being Honorably Discharged in 1954. After his discharge Bernie brought his family home to Wisconsin. He worked for several farms and his own farm for many years before taking a job at the Durand Implement. Bernie worked at the Durand Implement for 27 years including being the shop manager at the Ford New Holland Implement in Ellsworth. In retirement Bernie still worked on implements and at the Wal-Mart in Red Wing, MN.

Bernie enjoyed bowling, playing cards, fishing, hunting and softball. He was a 4^th Degree Member of the Durand Knights of Columbus and the Maiden Rock American Legion Post #158. Most of all, Bernie loved spending time with family and friends.

Bernie is survived by his children; Belinda (Robert) Anderson of Fountain City, Alan of Cochrane, Christine (John) Halling of Alma, Debbie (Craig) Barnes of Wabasha, MN, Elwyn of Arkansaw, Freda (David) Anderson, of Pepin, Gordon (Bonnie) of Whitehall, Wanda (David) Makis of Shakopee, MN and Robert  (Anita) of Menomonie, 22 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, companion; Doris Fuller of Red Wing, MN, four step-siblings; Gwelda Glaus of Durand, Giles (Marge) Patnode of Brooklyn Park, MN, Warren Patnode of Durand and Fern (Gene) Ingalls of Remer, MN, two sisters-in-law; Jane Keeler of Arkansaw and Evelyn Keeler of Rosemount, MN,  nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Joyce, a daughter; Marie in infancy, siblings; Ruth Klein, Mildred Berger, Margaret “Peg” Glaus, William “Bill” Keeler, Isabelle “Izzy” Berger and Phillip Keeler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Maiden Rock American Legion Post #158. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Mike Brunner January 3, 2016, at 8:01pm

   Had a lot of good times bowling with him. Am gone but will keep in my prayers.

2. Delrita Bignell January 2, 2016, at 5:25pm

   So sorry for your loss, seen Bernie often when he would frequent the cafe in Durand, always had to chat and visit. A great guy and wonderful father...

3. Gail (Milliren) Saueressig January 1, 2016, at 7:17pm

   Sending my sympathy and prayers to the Keller family. I remember all the good times as we grew up neighbors. Remembering your wonderful father and wishing you comfort.
   Gail Milliren Saueressig

4. Dan Klein January 1, 2016, at 5:18am

   Deb: My condolences on the loss of you Dad. I can still remember him fixing one of my tractors here on the farm. He will be missed. Dan & Joele Klein

5. Jeannette Klein December 31, 2015, at 8:19pm

   I am sorry for your loss! Thinking of all the friends and family and sending prayers for peace to all!

6. December 31, 2015, at 1:48pm

   our deepest symphathy janed &family
   f

7. Bob & Picksey Watkins December 30, 2015, at 6:53am

   Our sympathy to the Keeler Family. I worked with your Dad at Walmart so I always enjoyed visiting with him when we would see each other. He would always ask how my Mom was doing because they were classmates.

8. Orlyn n Karla Hoksch December 29, 2015, at 10:04pm

   Our thoughts n prayers are with you all! Nana n John feel our love and hugs! Wish we could b there for you! Just know we love and care! Orlyn n Karla

9. Plum City Care Center December 29, 2015, at 11:56am

   Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of Bernard.

10. Carmen Moody December 29, 2015, at 7:11am

    So Sorry for your loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

11. Tambi and Steve Dalman December 28, 2015, at 9:11pm

    So sorry for the loss of your father. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Freda and David.

12. Robin Brown Tearman December 28, 2015, at 8:39pm

    Elwyn and family, so very sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

13. Hazel Peck December 28, 2015, at 8:26pm

    Belinda - thank you for letting us know. I remember fond times with our families visiting each other growing up and how sweet and soft spoken your mom and dad both were. They were always there for happy and sad events in our family as well, and is what I remember most about them.

14. John & Kris Menting December 28, 2015, at 6:35pm

    So sorry for your loss.. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time..

15. Marcia Berger Rhodes December 28, 2015, at 5:23pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I regret that I will not be with you in person, but a Mass of remembrance will be said at Our Lady of the Assumption Convent in Rio Rancho, NM. Uncle Ben will be greatly missed.

16. John judy parr December 28, 2015, at 4:11pm

    Our prayers are with u all at this time

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